Press Release

PUC Extends Comment Period for Phase I Implementation Plan for House Bill 2200, Dealing with Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Published on 10/28/2008

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Public Utility Commission (PUC) is extending the period for interested parties and stakeholders to submit comments as part of the first phase of the Act 129 of 2008 implementation plan.  As mentioned in a secretarial letter issued today, comments are now due by Nov. 3, 2008, and not Oct. 31, 2008, as previously announced. 

The Commission is seeking comments in order to initiate the first phase of the Commission’s implementation plan for House Bill 2200, signed into law as Act 129 of 2008.  The Act expands the Commission’s oversight responsibilities and imposes new requirements on electric distribution companies (EDCs), with the overall goal of reducing energy consumption and demand, enhancing default service procurement and expanding alternative energy sources.

The Act adds several new sections to, and amends several existing sections of, the Public Utility Code.  In order to comply with the Act in an orderly and efficient manner, the Commission will implement the Act in phases.  The first phase will deal with the Commission’s obligation to adopt an energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) program by Jan. 15, 2009.  According to a motion approved by the Commissioners at the Public Meeting of Oct. 9, 2008, as soon as the Governor signed House Bill 2200 into law, the PUC Director of Operations convened an internal working group to develop the implementation plan.  After reviewing these comments, the internal working group will develop a draft staff proposal for issuance to interested parties in late November and further plans to hold a stakeholder meeting in mid-December before submitting a draft implementation plan to the Commission for adoption in January. 

Subsequent phases of the Commission’s Act 129 implementation process will address EDC and default service provider responsibilities; conservation service providers; smart meter technology; time-of-use rates; real-time pricing plans; default service procurement; market misconduct; alternative energy sources; and cost recovery.  The Commission will announce comment and input processes for these matters at a later date.

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-2008-2069887

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov