The Public Utility Commission Friday posted a request for proposal for a statewide evaluator to provide long-term, statewide evaluation of electric distribution company energy efficiency and demand response programs.

The request for proposal is a solicitation to provide evaluation services for up to six years to audit program results and verify specific electricity reduction claims of EDCs in response to Act 129 specifications.

As mandated by Act 129 of 2008, the seven largest Pennsylvania EDCs are required to file a plan for consumption and peak demand reductions. The PUC will then review the plans for approval, which require the EDCs to meet established reduction targets for May 31, 2021.

The statewide evaluator will 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 largest Pennsylvania electric utilities;

-- Evaluate and improve the EDCs’ programs during their five years of implementation; and

-- Provide assessments and recommendations to policymakers for potential programs beyond the 2021 program implementation period.

The term of the contract will be from the effective date of the contract, expected to be March 1, 2016, until February 28, 2022.

Act 129 expanded the PUC’s oversight responsibilities and imposed requirements with the overall goal of reducing electricity consumption and demand. It added several new sections to and amended several existing sections of the Public Utility Code.

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

NewsClips:

Powering Up A Philadelphia Energy Hub

Coalition Forms To Fight Philadelphia Energy Hub

Why Natural Gas Is Catching Up To Coal In Powering Homes

Coal Company Owner On Mission To Save His Industry

Feds Doles Out $15M To Wean States Off Coal

Scientists: PA At Risk Of Overreliance On Gas For Electricity

Lehigh U Joins Power Grid Project To Prevent Cyberattacks

Corning Gas Buys Pike Light & Power

PPL Rolls Out Drones To Inspect Electric Lines

New Castle Battery Developer Loses Chinese Deal

Coming Winter Should Be Easier On Heating Budgets

Woolly Worms Predict Milder Winter

FirstEnergy Turns To Dewatering Power Plant Waste

Delco Refinery Posts $106M Profit In 3Q

10/19/2015