The Public Utility Commission Thursday launched the process to implement a potential Phase III for the state’s Act 129 energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) programs.

The Commission voted 5-0 to begin the process to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a potential Phase III EE&C program and determine whether additional incremental consumption reduction targets, as well as new peak demand reduction targets, will be adopted and, if so, what those targets should be.

The current EE&C plans are valid through May 2016. Act 129 directs the PUC to re-evaluate the costs and benefits of the EE&C programs every five years to determine if the programs should continue.

By initiating this planning process well in advance of 2016, the Commission intends to facilitate a smooth transition to minimize any possible program lapses if the decision is made to move into the third phase of the program.

Interested parties can submit comments on the issues related to a potential Phase III by December 19, 2014. More information on what specific issues and topics on which the PUC is seeking comments as well as how to submit comments is contained in the Secretarial Letter.

In addition, the Commission will hold a stakeholder meeting on Dec. 2, 2014, to provide interested parties an opportunity to identify additional issues and concerns regarding the design of a potential Phase III of the EE&C Program and to address any questions regarding the topics and issues. Additional details on the stakeholder meeting also can be found in the secretarial letter.

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

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