Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 37, September 14, 2024
Section 69.36 - Performance criteria regarding energy supply alternatives-statement of policyThe 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.The provisions of this §69.36 adopted March 10, 1989, effective 3/11/1989, 19 Pa.B. 1095.