Press Release

PUC to Hold Second Hearing on Combined Heat and Power Technology

Published on 9/24/2014

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will hold an en banc hearing on the use of combined heat and power (CHP) technology on Oct. 7, 2014, at the University of Pittsburgh.

The hearing is a follow-up to the Commission’s en banc CHP hearing held May 5, 2014, at Drexel University in Philadelphia. There, panelists discussed CHP economics; social costs and benefits; and regulatory policies that impact the application of the technology.

The second hearing, to be held Oct. 7 in the William Pitt Union Building at the University of Pittsburgh from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., will further explore current issues and discuss regulatory policies impacting greater adoption of CHP in the Commonwealth.

Three panels will feature discussions by CHP experts, project developers, technology vendors and representatives from Peoples Natural Gas and Duquesne Light Company. PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson will attend, as well as Vice Chairman John F. Coleman, Jr., and Commissioners Gladys M. Brown and Pamela A. Witmer.

CHP is an efficient approach to generating electric power and thermal energy from a single fuel source, providing cost-effective energy services to commercial businesses such as hotels, universities and hospitals. In addition to improving manufacturing competitiveness and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, CHP benefits businesses by reducing energy costs and enhancing energy reliability for the user.

Currently, there is approximately 3,300 megawatts (MW) of installed CHP capacity in Pennsylvania. The technical potential for additional CHP systems in the Commonwealth, primarily in existing industrial and commercial facilities, is close to 11,000 MW.

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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