Press Release

PUC Approves Next Phase of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans for FirstEnergy Companies and Duquesne Light

Published on 3/3/2016

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved Phase III Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) plans submitted by several of Pennsylvania’s electric distribution companies (EDCs), detailing efforts to reduce energy consumption and peak demand through 2021. 

The Commission voted 5-0 today 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.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No.:  
M-2015-2514767
M-2015-2514768
M-2015-2514769
M-2015-2514772
M-2015-2515375
 

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov