The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved Act 129 Phase III Energy Efficiency and Conservation plans submitted by several of Pennsylvania’s electric distribution companies, detailing efforts to reduce energy consumption and peak demand through 2021.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve plans submitted by the FirstEnergy Companies (Met Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power) and Duquesne Light, which will go into effect on June 1, 2016. 

Plans submitted by the state’s other large EDCs are currently under review by the Commission.

“Increasing energy efficiency, encouraging conservation and reducing the demand for electricity benefits Pennsylvania in many ways – including more affordable and reliable service, reduced need for new power generation and lower emissions from power plants,” noted PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “These EE&C Plans have helped to save a substantial amount of money for consumers and businesses and continue to serve as a valuable tool to help make our power grid smarter, more cost effective and cleaner.”

EE&C programs, if shown to be cost-effective, are required as part of Act 129, passed in 2008. The Act calls for efficiency and conservation efforts to help reduce electric price volatility and ensure affordable and reliable electric service to Pennsylvania’s residents and businesses.

Now about to enter their third phase, these programs have promoted the adoption of energy-efficient lighting, appliances and other measures intended to help reduce consumption.

In June 2015, the Commission issued its Final Implementation Order for Phase III of Act 129, building upon all of the lessons learned and data collected to date. Phase III covers a five-year period, from 2016 through 2021, with new targets for each of the EDCs, based on numerous studies by the Commission.

The overall targets for reduction in power consumption range from 2.6 percent to 5 percent, depending on the potential savings in each EDC territory. The targets for peak demand reduction also vary depending on the potential for each territory, ranging up to 2 percent.

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

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