Act 129 Information

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The Commission is actively involved in the implementation process for Act 129 of 2008. On Oct. 15, 2008, Governor Rendell signed HB 2200 into law as Act 129 of 2008, with an effective date of Nov. 14, 2008. The Act expands the Commission’s oversight responsibilities and imposes new requirements on electric distribution companies (EDCs), with the overall goal of reducing energy consumption and demand.

House Bill 2200 - Act 129 of 2008 Bill

The Act adds several new sections to, and amends several existing sections of the Public Utility Code.  The Commission will implement the Act in phases.  The first phase will deal with the Commission’s obligation to adopt an energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) program by Jan. 15, 2009.  Subsequent phases of the Commission’s Act 129 implementation process will address EDC 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.

En Banc Hearing - The PUC held a special public hearing Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, on alternative energy resources, energy conservation and efficiency, and demand side response (DSR) tools and programs to assist consumers. Docket No. M-00061984.

Act 129 Sections

1. Act 129 Statewide Evaluator (SWE) - The PUC sought a Statewide Evaluator Contract to evaluate the energy efficiency and conservation programs required by the Act 129 of 2008.



2. Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Program - Act 129 directed all electric distribution companies with at least 100,000 customers are to develop and file an energy efficiency and conservation plans.



3. Electric Distribution Company Act 129 Reporting - Act 129 program performance quarterly and annual reports filed by the EDCs per Commission directives.
   
   
4. Phase II: Requirements for Conservation Service Providers - Information and comments regarding Phase 2 of the requirements of CSP.



5. Technical Reference Manual - Standards for measuring and verifying applicable DSM/EE measures used by EDCs to meet the Act 129 consumption and peak demand reduction targets.



6. Total Resource Cost Test - The TRC test analyzes the costs and benefits of the energy efficiency and conservation plans.



7. Smart Meter Technology Procurement and Installation - Requirements for EDCs with greater than 100,000 customers to submit a smart meter technology procurement and installation plan.



8. Fuel Switching Working Group - The Working Group is to identify, research and address issues related to the use of fuel switching or fuel substitution programs.



9. Training Certifications for Weatherization Installations & Audits - Comments on the current training required by EDCs and NGDCs who conduct weatherization installations and audits, as well as the impact on the companies’ Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP).



10. Default Service Regulations Rulemaking - The PUC opened a rulemaking proceeding to consider amendments to the default service regulations so that the regulations are consistent with the Act.