Press Release

PUC Hosts Panel of Experts to Discuss Increasing Energy Efficiency, Conservation

Published on 1/18/2007

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will hold a panel discussion as part of its investigation into cost-effective and reasonable efforts that natural gas and electric utilities can take to help consumers conserve energy or use it more efficiently.

       The panel discussion will begin at 8:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg. The meeting is open to the public and is scheduled to last until 4:30 p.m. Audio of the panel discussion will be posted to the PUC Web site periodically throughout the day. The audio will be found at www.puc.state.pa.usby clicking on announcements and following the link for Demand Side Response information.

       Topics that will be covered during the meeting include: 

        ·        Electric revenue decoupling;

        ·        Energy efficiency programs;

        ·        Demand side response programs;

        ·        On bill financing and

        ·        Experiences from other states.

       A list of participants also can be found in the Demand Side Response information on the PUC Web site.

       On September 28, 2006, the Commission reconvened its Demand Side Response Working Group asking them to provide specific recommendations that will allow the Commission to act on their findings and conclusions this spring. The goal of the investigation is to permit the Commission to review available evidence of the need for and the costs and benefits of various programs and approaches that will support moving forward with a comprehensive and consistent energy policy.

       The Demand Side Response Working Group originally was created following a Demand Side Response Roundtable held in November 2000. The purpose of the meeting was to start the discussion on how electric use could be curtailed during peak demand periods.

       The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

       For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-00061984

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• Press Secretary
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