Press Release

PUC Chairman DeFrank Leads National Effort to Strengthen Energy Efficiency, Reliability, and Sustainability

Published on 7/30/2025

Filed under: Electric Gas

NARUC Adopts Resolution Encouraging State Support for Natural Gas Efficiency in Commercial and Industrial Sectors

HARRISBURG – A resolution introduced by Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank, supporting the advancement of natural gas energy efficiency programs for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers, has been adopted by the Board of Directors of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).

The resolution was initially approved earlier this week by the NARUC Committee on Gas, which is chaired by Chairman DeFrank, during the association’s 2025 Summer Policy Summit. DeFrank is also a member of the NARUC Board, as is PAPUC Vice Chair Kimberly M. Barrow, who both supported the resolution on gas energy efficiency programs.

The newly adopted resolution encourages state utility commissions across the country to recognize and expand the role of natural gas energy efficiency in helping commercial and industrial customers meet growing energy needs, improve resilience, and support sustainability and economic development goals.

“In Pennsylvania, we’ve seen firsthand the success of well-designed Energy Efficiency and Conservation programs, including mandatory electric and voluntary natural gas programs,” said Chairman DeFrank. “With rapidly growing demand for energy — especially from commercial and industrial users — it’s vital that we use every tool in the toolbox to improve efficiency, better integrate our gas and electric systems, and control long-term energy costs for consumers and businesses alike.”

Natural gas utilities nationwide are adding an estimated 80 new business customers each day, with C&I customers representing more than 40 percent of total U.S. gas use. In 2022 alone, gas utilities reported over 40,000 commercial and industrial accounts participating in energy efficiency programs, resulting in substantial energy savings and aligning with both customer sustainability goals and broader emissions reduction efforts.

The resolution adopted by NARUC:

• Encourages state commissions to recognize natural gas energy efficiency as a valuable resource;
  
  
• Supports the inclusion of non-energy benefits and avoided emissions in cost-effectiveness testing;
  
  
• Backs regulatory approaches that allow prudent recovery of utility efficiency investments;
  
  
• Promotes advanced technologies such as combined heat and power (CHP), gas heat pumps, and networked geothermal systems; and
  
  
• Calls for collaboration among utilities, customers, technology providers, and federal and state agencies to demonstrate and scale new efficiency solutions.

NARUC is the national association representing state public service commissioners who regulate essential utility services, including energy, telecommunications, water, and transportation. Its members serve on the utility commissions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

About the PUC

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.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov
• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov