Press Release

PUC Seeks Comments on Weatherization Training Standards for Electric and Natural Gas Utility Workers

Published on 1/14/2010

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today sought comments on a proposal to explore whether electric and natural gas utilities that conduct weatherization audits would benefit from training certifications already required for workers participating in the federally funded Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

“A uniform set of standards to qualify energy efficiency and retrofit workers would establish the foundation of consumer confidence that work will be completed correctly and produce the expected energy savings and benefits,” according to the joint motion by Commissioners Wayne E. Gardner and Kim Pizzingrilli.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the joint motion and seek comments on the current training required by the electric and gas utility companies of its employees and contractors that conduct weatherization audits as well as the impact on companies’ existing Low Income Usage Reduction Programs (LIURP).  Additionally, the Commission is seeking comments on the impact, both cost and programmatic, of any such change in the training certification on the previously approved Act 129 plans of the electric distribution companies.

In August 2009, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) issued Pennsylvania’s Weatherization Plan pursuant to The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Pennsylvania received $252.8 million for Pennsylvania’s WAP in addition to the normal WAP budget of $37.9 million.  WAP is designed to help low-income households decrease energy consumption and costs.  These resources will enable the Commonwealth to achieve greater energy independence and help vulnerable residents by reducing their energy bills.

Under new requirements developed jointly by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the DCED, all workers participating in the federally funded WAP must be certified.  According to DCED, in order to become a certified weatherization worker, individuals must be trained by a Pennsylvania Certified Weatherization Instructor.    In addition to WAP, each large jurisdictional electric and gas utility has a LIURP (or similar program), which helps low-income residential customers lower the amount of electricity or natural gas used each month.  Typically, the company will install energy saving features in the home to help reduce bills.

Under Act 129, the seven largest Pennsylvania electric distribution companies (EDCs) were required to file an Energy Efficiency & Conservation (EE&C) plan detailing how they intend to achieve consumption and peak demand reductions.  The plans were to be designed to help the EDCs meet established electricity consumption reduction targets and included information about energy efficiency and conservation programs, including weatherization.

 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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Contact:

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