Press Release

PUC to Convene Stakeholder Meeting to Prepare for Potential Second Phase of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program

Published on 2/28/2012

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will convene a stakeholder meeting to discuss the potential implementation of the second phase of the energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) program as part of the Commission’s continuing implementation of Act 129 of 2008.

Commission staff will convene the Act 129 Stakeholder meeting on March 16, 2012, at 9 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg.  The purpose of the meeting is to allow interested parties to discuss views on possible timeline issues, additional planning and implementation, as well as to begin a dialogue about the potential energy reduction targets for phase two of Act 129.

The Commission is convening the meeting to prepare for the potential extension of Act 129, although no formal Commission decision has been made to extend the program.  By initiating the phase II Act 129 planning process well in advance of 2013, the Commission intends to facilitate a smooth transition to minimize any possible program lapses considering whether we decide to move to the second phase of the program. 

A secretarial letter will be forthcoming identifying a tentative implementation schedule and planning issues soliciting comments on these and other issues surrounding this second phase of the EE&C program.  The stakeholder meeting will give interested parties an opportunity to seek clarification on the issues presented in the secretarial letter and raise additional questions or issues to be addressed in designing and implementing phase two of the EE&C program that should be helpful in formulating comments to the secretarial letter. 

At this stakeholder group meeting, attendees will be able to express their views on the processes and issues which are important to them, as well as a timeline for planning the potential second phase.  The meeting format will be informal, allowing for an open dialogue among the interested parties and Commission staff. 

On Oct. 15, 2008, Gov. Rendell signed HB 2200 into law as Act 129 of 2008.  The Act added several new sections to, and amends several existing sections of, the Public Utility Code.  In order to comply with the Act in an orderly and efficient manner, the Commission is implementing the Act in phases.  The first phase dealt with the Commission’s obligation to adopt an energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) program by Jan. 15, 2009, to meet the legislatively mandated energy reduction targets through May 31, 2013. 

Other aspects of the Commission’s Act 129 implementation process 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. 

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 Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722