Press Release

PUC Issues for Comment Report on State’s Compliance with Portions of Federal Stimulus Act, Eligibility for Energy-Related Stimulus Funding

Published on 1/13/2011

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a report on the state’s compliance with portions of federal stimulus act and eligibility for energy-related stimulus funding.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a motion by Chairman James H. Cawley and Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner make a working group report public and seek additional comments. Following the comment period, the Commission will issue a final order discussing the implication of the investigation.

A May 2009 Commission Order initiated an investigation into future Commission action needed to ensure the state’s compliance with and eligibility for specific energy-related funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Commission established a working group involving Commission staff and interested stakeholders to solicit further information. 

The report issued today is based on several working group meetings, which discussed existing Commission policies or laws that address the goals outlined in Section 410(a) of the Recovery Act as well as additional measures the Commission may consider to address those goals.

Interested parties have 30 days from the entry of the Commission Order to file comments and 15 days to file reply comments.

The Recovery Act included, among other things,  $3.1 billion in grants under the Federal State Energy Program, which are contingent upon the states having general ratemaking policies that ensure that “utility financial incentives are aligned with helping their customers use energy more efficiently and that provide timely cost recovery and a timely earnings opportunity for utilities associated with cost-effective measurable and verifiable efficiency savings, in a way that sustains or enhances utility customers’ incentives to use energy more efficiently.”

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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