Press Release

PUC Updates Technical Reference Manual Used to Assess Energy Savings Attributable to Energy Efficiency, Demand Side Response Measures

Published on 5/28/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved an updated Technical Reference Manual (TRM), which is used to assess energy savings attributable to energy efficiency and demand response measures for the implementation of the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS) and the energy efficiency and conservation provisions of Act 129 of 2008.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the updated TRM, which sets the standards used to measure and verify applicable demand side management and energy efficiency measures used by the state’s electric distribution companies (EDCs).

Initially established in March 2005, the Commission said the TRM will be updated annually in order to keep pace and remain relevant and useful as experience and technology related to energy efficiency increases. In addition, energy efficiency, load management and demand‑side management measures have become more prevalent and necessary, as evidenced by the recent enactment of Act 129 of 2008.

AEPS specifically required the Commission to develop standards for tracking and verifying savings from energy efficiency, load management and demand side management measures.  Generally, AEPS requires that a certain percentage of all electric energy sold to retail customers be derived from alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass, and demand side management resources. The law applies to both EDCs and electric generation suppliers (EGSs) which must demonstrate their compliance on an annual basis. 

Act 129 expanded the PUC’s oversight responsibilities and imposed new energy efficiency and conservation requirements on EDCs with at least 100,000 customers. The overall goal is to reduce energy consumption and demand. The Commission is implementing the Act in phases which address EDC and default service provider responsibilities; smart meter technology; time-of-use rates; real-time pricing plans; default service procurement; market misconduct; alternative energy sources; and cost recovery.

 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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-00051865

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