Press Release

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

Published on 7/8/2015

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved updates to the Technical Reference Manual (TRM), aimed at making the TRM a more effective and professional tool for validating energy savings and providing support for Act 129 of 2008 goals.  The TRM 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 Act (AEPS Act) and the energy efficiency and conservation provisions of Act 129.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the proposed changes, which were released for comment on March 26, 2015. Initially established in March 2005, the TRM is updated periodically in order to keep pace and remain relevant and useful as experience and technology related to energy efficiency increases.

The improvements to the TRM are based on more recent research, a review of TRMs from other states and the needs and experiences of the electric distribution companies (EDCs).  The updates focus on improving assumptions for key parameters, algorithms and deemed savings values, as well as accounting for new codes and standards for residential, and commercial and industrial energy efficiency and conservation measures.  

The AEPS Act 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, 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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues. 

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Docket No. M-2015-2469311

Contact:

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