On March 28, the Public Utility Commission published notice in the March 28 PA Bulletin it is now accepting public comments on its proposed guidelines for the Phase IV of the state’s energy efficiency and conservation program (EE&C Program) established under Act 129 of 2008 (Act 129).

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a Tentative Implementation Order and begin the process of establishing the Phase IV EE&C Program – a process which includes the PUC’s evaluation of the costs and benefits of the EE&C Program as well as its proposal establishing additional incremental reductions in electric consumption and peak demand.

Chairman Gladys Dutrieuille and Commissioner Andrew Place both made statements at today’s public meeting underscoring key items and various technical issues they would like public comments to address regarding the future implementation of Act 129.

The Commission’s proposal is for a five-year Phase IV program operating from June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2026.

In preparation for a potential Phase IV, the Commission tasked its Phase III Statewide Evaluator (SWE) with performing an energy efficiency and peak demand reduction (EEPDR) potential study, as well as a dispatchable demand response (DDR) potential study.

The EEPDR and DDR Potential Studies were released publicly via a Secretarial Letter served March 2, 2020.

The studies show the  new 5-year energy efficiency targets for utilities required by Act 129 are cost-effective and could return $3 billion in benefits to Pennsylvania electric customers.  Click Here for more.

Interested parties have 30 days from the publication of the Order in the Pennsylvania Bulletin to provide written comments and 45 days from the date of publication for written reply comments.

All written comments should reference Docket Number M-2020-3015228 and may be filed electronically through the Commission’s e-File System or sent to: Public Utility Commission, Attn:  Secretary Rosemary Chiavetta, Commonwealth Keystone Building, Second Floor, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA  17120

Act 129 became law on Oct. 15, 2008 and, among other things, required the implementation of EE&C programs that would produce electricity usage reductions to meet legislatively mandated targets through May 31, 2013 and requires the Commission to continue requiring implementation of EE&C programs so long as they are cost-effective.

On Aug. 2, 2012, the PUC issued a Final Implementation Order adopting a three-year Phase II Act 129 EE&C program.  On June 11, 2015, the Commission issued a Final Implementation Order adopting the current five-year Phase III EE&C Program, which continues through May 31, 2021.

Act 129 requires electric distribution companies with at least 100,000 customers to file EE&C plans with the Commission, including Duquesne Light; Met-Ed; PECO; Penelec; Penn Power; PPL Electric; and West Penn Power.

The Act also addresses issues such as electric utility and default service provider responsibilities; conservation service providers; smart meter technology; time-of-use rates; real-time pricing plans; default service procurement; market misconduct; alternative energy sources; and cost recovery.

For more information, visit the PUC Act 129 webpage.

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Related Article:

PUC Releases Reports Showing Act 129 Energy Efficiency Program Could Deliver $3 Billion In Benefits Over Next 5 Years

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[Posted: March 27, 2020]

3/30/2020