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Act 129 and PA Utility Programs

Following adoption of our 2007 Energy Action Agenda, KEEA began to develop legislation that would achieve key elements of the Agenda. Under the Special Energy Session called by Governor Rendell in April 2007, more than 50 bills were under consideration by the House and Senate. Since KEEA’s key concern was the pending expiration of electric rate caps, we focused on legislation that would offer energy efficiency programs to utility customers. Ultimately, two bills were introduced, Special Session House Bill 2200 and Senate Bill 35, which KEEA supported.

Through meetings with legislators, lobby days and support from other energy groups, KEEA achieved its major goal – passage of House Bill 2200 as Act 129, the Utility Energy Efficiency Act in October 2008. This Act takes significant steps towards energy efficiency, energy conservation and peak demand programs and measures. It requires each of the seven Pennsylvania Electric Distribution Companies to reduce energy demand and consumption within its service territory. It requires a 1% reduction by May 31, 2011, and a total 3% reduction in consumption and 4.5% reduction in peak demand by May 31, 2013. This represents a statewide energy conservation program of over $108 million per year. For details on the plans and progress, go to the PUC Act 129 web page. The latest actions are at the bottom of the page.

KEEA still continues to monitor implementation of Act 129, with all utility plans in place. A recent development is a March 2, 2010 order from the PUC seeking comment on the training requirements for weatherization workers that electric and gas utilities should adopt for energy efficiency programs. They are seeking input not only for Act 129 work, but also low-income utility programs. This follows on the agreement reached by DCED and the PA Dept. of Labor & Industry that all workers in federally funded WAP be certified and trained by authorized WAP trainers. Comments are due the first week in April. Details on the PUC March 2010 Training Order.

For more information on Pennsylvania's Utilities response to Act 129 and residential, business, and commercial programs click here.

The full text of the Bill is available here and a summary of the Bill's provisions is below as an attached document.

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Analysis of HB 2200105.95 KB