Press Release

PUC Issues RFP to Seek Long-Term, Statewide Evaluation Contract for Utility Energy Efficiency Programs

Published on 4/21/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued a request for proposal (RFP) to seek qualified providers of evaluation services for up to four and one-half years to audit program results and confirm specific energy reduction target requirements of electric distribution companies (EDCs) in response to Act 129 specifications. 

As mandated by Act 129, the seven largest Pennsylvania EDCs are required to file a plan for consumption and peak demand reductions by July 1, 2009.  The PUC will then review the plans for approval, which require the EDCs to have reduction targets set for May 31, 2011, and May 31, 2013. 

The evaluator would work with senior Commission staff and assist the PUC to implement a legislative mandate containing significant consumption and peak demand reduction targets; audit programs to be implemented across Pennsylvania by the seven major Pennsylvania electric utilities; evaluate and improve the EDC’s programs in their initial, critical four years of implementation; and provide assessments and recommendations to policymakers for potential programs beyond the initial 2013 program implementation period. 

The initial term of the contract will be from the effective date of the contract until Oct. 31, 2011, with the option of a one-year extension from Nov. 1, 2011, until Oct. 31, 2012, and then another one-year extension from Nov. 1, 2012, until Dec. 31, 2013.  The extension options will be exercised solely at the Commission’s discretion.

Contractors should submit bids for the entire period from June 18, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2013.  To be considered, the proposal or any addendum thereto must arrive at the Issuing Office, the Bureau of Conservation, Economics and Energy Planning (CEEP), on or by Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 3 p.m., via the appropriate address listed below.   

U.S. Mail First Class Delivery Address
Wayne Williams, Director
Bureau of Conservation, Economics and Energy Planning
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
P.O. Box 3265
Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265

Overnight Delivery Service Address
Wayne Williams, Director
Bureau of Conservation, Economics and Energy Planning
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
2nd Floor West, Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120

A mandatory proposer’s conference will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at 1 p.m. in Hearing Room 1, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North St., Harrisburg.  Issuing Officer Williams will take questions.  The pre‑proposal conference is for information only.  Any verbal responses furnished during the conference will not be binding until they have been verified, in writing, by the Issuing Office.  All questions and written answers will be posted on the PUC website no later than May 13, 2009, and will become part of this RFP and the contract.  Prospective proposers can attend the pre‑proposal conference by teleconference.  Please contact Director Williams to submit a request for the teleconference information at the address above or e-mail at waywilliam@state.pa.us. 

On Oct. 15, 2008, Gov. Rendell signed HB 2200 into law as Act 129 of 2008.  The Act adds several new sections to, and amends several existing sections of, the Public Utility Code.  In order to comply with the Act in an orderly and efficient manner, the Commission will implement the Act in phases.  Immediately after Act 129 was signed into law, the Commission initiated the first phase of the implementation plan, which deals with the Commission’s obligation to adopt an energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) program by Jan. 15, 2009. 

Subsequent phases of the Commission’s Act 129 implementation process will address EDC and default service provider responsibilities; smart meter technology; time-of-use rates; real-time pricing plans; default service procurement; market misconduct; and cost recovery.  The Commission will announce comment and input processes for these matters at a later date.

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.

# # #

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722