Press Release

PUC Schedules Two Public Input Hearings on Allegheny Power’s Proposed Energy Efficiency, Conservation Plan

Published on 7/14/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on the proposed energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) plan filed by Allegheny Power as required by Act 129 of 2008.

On July 1, 2009, Allegheny filed its plan detailing how it intends to achieve consumption and peak demand reductions as required by Act 129. The EE&C plans were to be designed to help the electric distribution companies (EDCs) meet established electricity consumption reduction targetsof 1 percent by May 31, 2011, and 3 percent by May 31, 2013. The EDCs also are required to meet a 4.5 percent reduction in peak demand by May 31, 2013. Peak demand is defined as the system’s top 100 hours of highest demand.

Administrative Law Katrina Dunderdale will conduct the hearings on the details of the Allegheny EE&C plan at:

1 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Friday, July 31, 2009

Founder’s Hall

Butler County Community College

107 College Drive

Butler, PA  16002

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision. The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

1. Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
2. Bring copies.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.

1. Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

Under Act 129, the seven largest Pennsylvania EDCs – Allegheny Power Co.; Duquesne Light Co.; Metropolitan Edison Co.; PECO Energy Co.; Pennsylvania Electric Co.; Pennsylvania Power Co. and PPL Electric Utilities Corp. – were required to file EE&C plans by July 1, 2009.

The Commission has 120 days to approve, reject or modify each of the EE&C plans. Interested parties may intervene in the review of the plans by filing petitions with the PUC. It is not necessary to file a petition to intervene in order to testify at the public input hearing. The Commission review will include hearings on each individual plan before PUC Administrative Law Judges where parties in the case may present evidence on the proposals. All of this will make up the record on which the Commission will base its final decision during a public meeting in Harrisburg.

Act 129 expanded the PUC’s oversight responsibilities and imposed new requirements with the overall goal of reducing electricity consumption and demand. It added several new sections to and amended several existing sections of the Public Utility Code.  The Commission is implementing the Act in phases that address EDC responsibilities to implement energy efficiency and conservation programs; 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-2009-2093218

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722