Press Release

PUC Begins Phase II of Act 129 Implementation Plan by Soliciting Comments on Requirements for Conservation Service Providers

Published on 11/14/2008

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today solicited comments on the experience and qualification requirements the Commission must establish for conservation service providers as the Commission begins Phase II of its implementation of Act 129.

Act 129 requires each electric distribution company to submit an energy efficiency and conservation plan to the Commission.  Each plan must include a contract with one or more conservation service providers to implement the plan or a portion of the plan approved by the Commission.  As noted in a secretarial letter  issued today, the Commission is seeking comments on questions about qualifications and standards for conservation service providers and other related topics.  Comments are to be filed by Nov. 26, 2008.  The Commission is required to have a registry of approved conservation service providers in place by March 2009. 

On Oct. 15, 2008, Gov. Rendell signed HB 2200 into law as Act 129 of 2008.  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.  Immediately after Act 129 was signed into law, the Commission initiated the first phase of the implementation plan, which deals with the Commission’s obligation to adopt an energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) program by Jan. 15, 2009. 

Subsequent phases of the Commission’s Act 129 implementation process will address EDC and default service provider responsibilities; smart meter technology; time-of-use rates; real-time pricing plans; default service procurement; market misconduct; 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-2008-2074154

Contact:

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