The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission intends to
examine specific factors in rate proceedings of electric and gas utilities
regarding the action or failure to act to encourage development of cost
effective energy supply alternatives. Specifically, the Commission will review
utilities' efforts to meet the criteria inthis section when determining just
and reasonable rates in future rate proceedings and may consider those efforts
in other proceedings instituted by the Commission.
(1)
Information. At least
twice annually utilities should provide customers with information on specific
means of utilizing their energy services more effectively and efficiently.
Topic areas should include insulation, lighting efficiencies, appliance
efficiencies, conservation practices, load management techniques or other
relevant information that informs the customer of the efficient use of
energy.
(2)
Energy
surveys. Class A utilities should offer onsite energy surveys to the
residential, commercial and industrial classes on an ongoing basis. Surveys
should be conducted by trained personnel and the results of the survey, upon
written request of the customer, be delivered in writing with a clear
explanation of the resulting components.
(3)
Cogeneration and small power
production. Electric utilities for which a need for capacity is
projected should establish effective programs to explore and encourage the
development of additional cogeneration and small power production facilities
within their respective service territories.
(4)
Least cost planning. Gas
and electric utilities should actively pursue a least-cost strategy by
acquiring and developing the resources necessary to effectively meet their
customers' future energy needs, consistent with established availability and
reliability criteria. Utilities should make a reasonable effort to promote the
utilization of practical and economical energy conservation and demand
management through cost effective programs.
(5)
Evaluation. Class A
utilities should demonstrate progressive work regarding development of a
reliable customer data base, including, but not limited to:
(i) End-use applications for each class of
customer in terms of energy and demand.
(ii) Customer behavior with regard to the
decision-making process.
(iii) The
impact of program decisions or strategies and how they effect the overall
planning process.
(6)
Natural gas co-firing. Electric utilities should explore the
potential for increasing capacity and output at coal-fired generating stations
through gas cofiring.
