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On November 9, the Public Utility Commission approved a joint motion by Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank and Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow to initiate an investigation and rulemaking related to Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) as a mechanism to help increase energy efficiency, enhance service and potentially lower costs.
The PUC investigation and rulemaking process will examine PUC regulations and potential regulatory changes related to DERs and examine the upcoming impact of federal rules allowing DER participation in the wholesale energy market, to ensure that Pennsylvania is not left behind.
As noted in the motion, Distributed Energy Resource Aggregations (DERAs) – also known as “Virtual Power Plants” – can deploy many different types of technologies to boost energy efficiency; using available energy when it is the cheapest, cleanest, and most plentiful.
For example, small rooftop solar systems could inject energy into the power grid, while managed charging by electric vehicles could absorb that electricity when it is plentiful – and at the same time smart thermostats or smart water heaters could shift customer demand to a different time of day, depending on the needs of the grid.
The motion also noted that VPPs could save money for customers in the long-term, helping to maintain an adequate supply of power without requiring the construction and maintenance of new and expensive power transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Per the motion, the PUC’s Law Bureau and Bureau of Technical Utility Services will prepare an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for action by the Commission on or before Feb. 28, 2024, detailing any changes or additions needed to PUC regulations or policy statements.
Documents related to this issue can be found at PUC Docket No.: L-3044115.
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Upcoming Events
-- University Of Pittsburgh Studies Of Shale Gas Development Health Impacts To Be Discussed At Nov. 14 Joint Meeting Of DEP Citizens Advisory Council, Environmental Justice Advisory Board [PaEN]
-- PA League Of Women Voters, University Of Pittsburgh Graduate School Of Public Health Nov. 14 Shale Gas & Public Health Conference [PaEN]
PA Oil & Gas Industry Public Notice Dashboards:
-- Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - November 4 to 10 - Eight More Abandoned Conventional Wells; Venting Gas; Improper Plugging, Failed To Restore Well Pads [PaEN]
-- PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices/Opportunities To Comment - November 11 [PaEN]
-- DEP Posted 63 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In November 11 PA Bulletin [PaEN]
Related Articles This Week:
-- Environmental Health Project: Gov. Shapiro Must Acknowledge Health Risks Of Natural Gas Development And Take Meaningful Action To Protect The Public [PaEN]
-- Physicians For Social Responsibility PA: Gov. Shapiro's Announcement With CNX Does Not Go Far Enough In Protecting Public Health And The Environment From Natural Gas Development [PaEN]
-- TribLive Editorial: Is Shapiro's Voluntary Agreement With CNX The Right Move For Gas Well Safety? 'We Do Not Trust Foxes To Guard Henhouses' [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On Columbia County Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Compressor Station Air Quality Permit And Will Hold A Hearing Dec. 19 - If One Is Requested [PaEN]
-- PUC Seeks More Information On Peoples Gas Over-Pressurization Incident In Indiana County That Damaged Hundreds Of Appliances, Caused Distribution Pipeline Leaks [PaEN]
-- New NERC Winter Reliability Assessment Finds Elevated Risk Of Blackouts In Extreme Weather Conditions; Natural Gas Supplies Still Vulnerable To These Conditions With 'Devastating Consequences' [PaEN]
-- PUC Begins Process To Explore Rulemaking Related To Use Of Distributed Energy Resources And 'Virtual' Power Plants [PaEN]
-- PA Interfaith Power & Light, Jewish Earth Alliance Host Nov. 15 Online Discussion - Rethinking Our Connection To Fossil Fuels [PaEN]
-- House Committees Hold Hearings On Hydrogen Hubs, Appliance Energy Efficiency; Consider Bills Increasing Recycling Fee, Study Solar Energy On Farms [PaEN]
-- DEP To Hold Last 3 Hearings On Interim Final Environmental Justice Permit Review Policy [PaEN]
-- Black Appalachian Coalition Urges Allegheny County Health Dept. To Hold US Steel Accountable, Protect Community Health, From Clairton Coke Works [PaEN]
-- National Environmental Justice Art Campaign - We Refuse To Die - Launching In Pittsburgh Area [PaEN]
[Posted: November 9, 2023]
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