Press Release

PUC Issues for Comment Next Steps for Future Energy Efficiency, Conservation Programs

Published on 3/12/2020

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for public comment its proposed guidelines for the next phase of the state’s energy efficiency and conservation program (EE&C Program) established under Act 129 of 2008 (Act 129).

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a Tentative Implementation Order and begin the process of establishing the Phase IV EE&C Program – a process which includes the PUC’s evaluation of the costs and benefits of the EE&C Program as well as its proposal establishing additional incremental reductions in electric consumption and peak demand.  

Chairman Gladys Dutrieuille and Commissioner Andrew Place both made statements at today’s public meeting underscoring key items and various technical issues they would like public comments to address regarding the future implementation of Act 129.  The Commission’s proposal is for a five-year Phase IV program operating from June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2026.

In preparation for a potential Phase IV, the Commission tasked its Phase III Statewide Evaluator (SWE) with performing an energy efficiency and peak demand reduction (EEPDR) potential study, as well as a dispatchable demand response (DDR) potential study.  The EEPDR and DDR Potential Studies were released publicly via a Secretarial Letter served March 2, 2020. 

Interested parties have 30 days from the publication of the Order in the Pennsylvania Bulletin to provide written comments and 45 days from the date of publication for written reply comments.  All written comments should reference Docket Number M-2020-3015228 and may be filed electronically through the Commission’s e-File System or sent to:

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Attn:  Secretary Rosemary Chiavetta
Commonwealth Keystone Building
Second Floor
400 North Street
Harrisburg, PA  17120

Act 129 became law on Oct. 15, 2008 and, among other things, required the implementation of EE&C programs that would produce electricity usage reductions to meet legislatively mandated targets through May 31, 2013 and requires the Commission to continue requiring implementation of EE&C programs so long as they are cost-effective.  On Aug. 2, 2012, the PUC issued a Final Implementation Order adopting a three-year Phase II Act 129 EE&C program.  On June 11, 2015, the Commission issued a Final Implementation Order adopting the current five-year Phase III EE&C Program, which continues through May 31, 2021.

Act 129 requires electric distribution companies with at least 100,000 customers to file EE&C plans with the Commission, including Duquesne Light; Met-Ed; PECO; Penelec; Penn Power; PPL Electric; and West Penn Power.  The Act also addresses issues such as electric utility and default service provider responsibilities; conservation service providers; smart meter technology; time-of-use rates; real-time pricing plans; default service procurement; market misconduct; alternative energy sources; and cost recovery.

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” PA Public Utility Commission” on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

# # #

Docket No.   M-2020-3015228

Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  Governor's Office
  717-783-1116
  
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov