Bill > SB493

Introduced Session

Utility energy efficiency programs. Provides that an energy efficiency program proposed by an electric utility is in the public interest if among other factors, the net present value of the benefits exceeds the net present value of the costs as determined by the Commission upon consideration of the following four tests: (i) the Total Resource Cost Test; (ii) the Utility Cost Test (also referred to as the Program Administrator Test); (iii) the Participant Test; and (iv) the Ratepayer Impact Measure Test. The Commission's determination shall include an analysis of all four tests, and a program or portfolio of programs shall not be rejected based solely on the results of a single test. An electric utility's energy efficiency program may be deemed to be in the public interest if it provides measurable and verifiable energy savings to low-income customers or elderly customers. The current standard for what constitutes a cost-effective conservation and energy efficiency program conducted by a natural gas utility is revised to conform to these new provisions for electric utilities. Finally, the measure expands the definition of "energy efficiency program" with regard to electric utilities to include customer engagement programs that result in measurable and verifiable energy savings that lead to efficient use patterns and practices. The bill contains an emergency clause and shall not apply to any case or proceeding filed with the Commission prior to March 10, 2012.

Phillip Puckett (D)*,  John Watkins (R)*, 

Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0821) (on 04/18/2012)

Official Document