Experience, Qualifications Set For Energy Conservation Providers By PUC

The Public Utility Commission this week established the minimum experience and qualification requirements that conservation service providers must meet in order to be included as part of a service registry the Commission is compiling as part of Phase II of the Act 129 implementation.

 

The Commission voted 5-0 to begin accepting applications for CSPs and to accept the criteria that each CSP or its principals must have at least three years of documented experience in providing program consultation, design, administration and management services related to energy efficiency and conservation services.

 

The Commission also will require all applicants to provide information regarding their experience, technical qualifications and financial stability. Copies of the application may be obtained from the Commission's Secretary and the application form will also be made available on the Commission's website.

 

Act 129 requires each electric distribution company to submit an energy efficiency and conservation plan to the Commission. Each plan must include a contract with one or more CSP to implement the plan or a portion of the plan approved by the Commission.

 

The Act defines a "conservation service provider" as "an entity that provides information and technical assistance on measures to enable a person to increase energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption and that has no direct or indirect ownership, partnership or affiliated interest with an EDC."

 

The Commission sought comments on questions about qualifications and standards for CSPs and other related topics. These comments are available on the PUC's website. The Commission is required to have a registry of approved conservation service providers in place by March 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.

 

For more information, visit the PUC's Act 129 Implementation webpage.