Press Release

PUC Sets Public Input Hearings on Proposed Energy Efficiency, Conservation Plans for State's Seven Major Electric Utilities

Published on 7/15/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled 10 hearings to receive public comment on the remaining six proposed energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) plans filed by the state’s electric distribution companies (EDCs) as required by Act 129 of 2008.

The EE&C plans were to be designed to help the EDCs meet established electricity consumption reduction targets of 1 percent by May 31, 2011, and 3 percent by May 31, 2013. The EDCs also are required to meet a 4.5 percent reduction in peak demand by May 31, 2013. Peak demand is defined as the system’s top 100 hours of highest demand.

Hearings on the details of the FirstEnergy companies’ EE&C plans (Metropolitan Edison Co., Pennsylvania Electric Co. and Pennsylvania Power Co.)will be held at:

1 p.m. and 6 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2009 (Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Robert P. Meehan)
Four Points Sheraton North
910 Sheraton Drive, Mars, PA  16046

1 p.m. and 6 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2009 (ALJ David A. Salapa)
PA Department of Transportation Engineering District 9-0
Conference Rooms 1DA, 1DB and 1DC
1620 North Juniata St., Hollidaysburg, PA  16648

1 p.m. and 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 (ALJ David A. Salapa)
Crown Plaza Reading Hotel, Blass Room
1741 Papermill Road, Wyomissing, PA  19601
Docket Nos . M-2009-2092222; M-2009-2112952; M-2009-2112956

ALJ Fred R. Nene will conduct the hearings on the details of the Duquesne Light Co. EE&C plan at:
2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009
Allegheny County Courthouse
436 Grant St., Room 410
Pittsburgh, PA  15219
Docket No. M-2009-2093217

ALJ Katrina Dunderdale will conduct the hearings on the details of the Allegheny Power EE&C plan at:

1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2009

Butler County Community College, Founder's Hall

107 College Drive

Butler, PA  16002

ALJ Susan D. Colwell will conduct the hearings on the details of the PPL Electric Utilities Corp. EE&C plan at:
6 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2009
Bethlehem Town Hall, City County Chambers
10 East Church St., Bethlehem, PA  18018
(Please use Plaza Entrance.)
Docket No. M-2009-2093216

ALJ Marlane R. Chestnut will conduct the hearings on the details of the PECO Energy Co. EE&C plan at:
6 p.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Free Library of Philadelphia
Parkway Central Library, Montgomery Auditorium
1901 Vine St., Philadelphia, PA  19103
Docket No. M-2009-2093215

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision. The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.
• Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

The PUC announced the Allegheny Power plan on July 14, 2009. Under Act 129, the seven largest Pennsylvania EDCs – Allegheny Power Co.; Duquesne Light Co.; Metropolitan Edison Co.; PECO Energy Co.; Pennsylvania Electric Co.; Pennsylvania Power Co. and PPL Electric Utilities Corp. – were required to file EE&C plans by July 1, 2009. The plans are available on the PUC website.

The Commission has 120 days to approve, reject or modify each of the EE&C plans. Interested parties may intervene in the review of the plans by filing petitions with the PUC. It is not necessary to file a petition to intervene in order to testify at a public input hearing. The Commission review will include hearings on each individual plan before PUC Administrative Law Judges where parties in the case may present evidence on the proposals. All of this will make up the record on which the Commission will base its final decision during a public meeting in Harrisburg.

Act 129 expanded the PUC’s oversight responsibilities and imposed new 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.  The Commission is implementing the Act in phases that address EDC responsibilities to implement energy efficiency and conservation programs; smart meter technology; time-of-use rates; real-time pricing plans; default service procurement; market misconduct; alternative energy sources; and cost recovery.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722