Press Release

PUC Approves UGI Electric Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan

Published on 3/15/2012

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today approved a voluntary energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) plan submitted by UGI Electric Utilities (UGI).

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the plan to reduce energy demand and energy consumption within UGI’s service territory. UGI’s plan consists of nine programs, including a variety of incentives for residential, commercial and industrial customers to install energy efficient lighting, appliances, heating systems, and other equipment.  UGI estimates that these programs will result in a 5 percent reduction in electric consumption by 2015. 

In December 2009, the Commission set guidelines for the state’s smaller electric distribution companies (those with fewer than 100,000 customers) wishing to develop EE&C plans similar to those required for the larger companies under Act 129 of 2008.

The Commission asked that each of the plans include:

• A detailed plan with a description of EE&C measures to be offered;
• Sufficient supporting documentation and verified statements or testimony or both;
• Proposed energy consumption or peak demand reduction objectives or both, with proposed dates the objectives are to be met;
• A budget showing total planned expenditures by program and customer class;
• Tariffs and a cost recovery mechanism; and
• A description of the method for monitoring and verifying plan results. 

In outlining the suggested guidelines for the voluntary EE&C programs, the Commission recognized a “one-size-fits-all” approach would not work. The PUC’s program guidelines provide each EDC with the ability to tailor its EE&C plan to its service territory and consumers.  While the Commission did not establish mandatory energy reduction targets as found in Act 129 of 2008, it will monitor the UGI plan implementation to ensure the programs are cost-effective and achieving the intended results.

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.

Docket Number M-2010-2210316

Contact:

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