Press Release

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

Published on 12/19/2013

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 of Act 213 (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 energy efficiency measures used by the state’s electric distribution companies (EDCs).  The updated TRM will go into effect on June 1, 2014.

Initially established in March 2005, the TRM is updated annually in order to keep pace and remain relevant and useful as experience and technology related to energy efficiency evolves. In addition, energy efficiency measures have become more prevalent and necessary, as evidenced by the 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, with the overall goal of reducing energy consumption and/or demand.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket Nos. M-2012-2313373 and M-00051865

Contact:

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