Press Release

PUC Establishes Experience and Qualification Requirements for Conservation Service Providers as Part of Act 129 Implementation

Published on 12/18/2008

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today established the minimum experience and qualification requirements that conservation service providers (CSPs) must meet in order to be included as part of a service registry the Commission is compiling as part of Phase II of the Act 129 implementation.

The Commission voted 5-0 to begin accepting applications for CSPs and to accept the criteria that each CSP or its principals must have at least three years of documented experience in providing program consultation, design, administration and management services related to energy efficiency and conservation services.

The Commission also will require all applicants to provide information regarding their experience, technical qualifications and financial stability.  Copies of the application may be obtained from the Commission’s Secretary and the application form will also be made available on the Commission’s Web site.

Act 129 requires each electric distribution company (EDC) to submit an energy efficiency and conservation plan to the Commission.  Each plan must include a contract with one or more CSP to implement the plan or a portion of the plan approved by the Commission.  The Act defines a “conservation service provider” as “an entity that provides information and technical assistance on measures to enable a person to increase energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption and that has no direct or indirect ownership, partnership or affiliated interest with an EDC.”  The Commission sought comments on questions about qualifications and standards for CSPs and other related topics.  These comments are available on the PUC’s Web site.  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