Press Release

PUC Releases Act 129 Phase II Annual Report & Compliance Assessment of Energy Efficiency & Conservation Efforts by Electric Utilities

Published on 4/6/2017

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released an annual report detailing ongoing efforts by seven electric distribution companies (EDCs) to meet energy reduction requirements under Act 129 of 2008.

The Commission voted 5-0 to release the Statewide Evaluator’s (SWE) Phase II Final Annual Report, which summarizes the results of the second phase of Act 129 and assesses EDCs’ ongoing implementation of energy efficiency and conservation plans (EE&C) originally filed in 2009.  Act 129 required EDCs with more than 100,000 customers to file EE&C plans to reduce overall electric consumption, including reductions in peak demand loads.  Seven EDCs must comply with these Act 129 requirements, including Duquesne Light; Met-Ed; PECO; Penelec; Penn Power; PPL Electric; and West Penn Power.

“These initial results and determinations for Phase II demonstrate the success of the EE&C programs,” said Chairman Gladys M. Brown in a statement at today’s meeting.  “I commend Commission staff, the EDCs, and the energy efficiency service providers across the state for their continued work in this arena.”

According to the report, all seven EDCs achieved the following with their efficiency and conservation programs:

• Met Phase II targets for electric consumption reduction;
• Obtained a minimum of ten percent of all consumption reduction requirements from government/educational/non-profit institutions;
• Obtained a minimum of 4.5 percent of their total consumption reduction requirements from the low-income sector; and
• Fulfilled the requirement to include specific energy efficiency measures for households at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

Today’s report summarizes Phase II of the EE&C program.  The Commission continues overseeing EDC implementation of the current five-year third phase of the EE&C programs. Phase III operates through May 31, 2021.

Act 129 became law on Oct. 15, 2008, and included implementation of EE&C programs that would produce usage reductions to meet legislatively mandated targets through May 31, 2013.  On Aug. 2, 2012, the PUC issued a Final Implementation Order adopting a three-year Phase II Act 129 EE&C program, followed by the current Phase III program.

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” PA Public Utility Commission” on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket No.   M-2012-2289411

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov