New York's Energy Efficiency Initiatives Streamlined

ALBANY, NY (06/16/2011)(readMedia)-- The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved a major streamlining of its landmark Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS) program and added flexibility in the administration of approved energy efficiency programs by the utilities and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

"Energy efficiency remains the most cost-effective, and most immediate, way to reduce the burden of rising energy and environmental costs on residential and business customers," said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. "Our continuing efforts to reduce electricity consumption by 15 percent by 2015 will enable customers to install energy-efficient equipment and appliances, help create clean energy jobs, and help reduce monthly utility bills."

The Commission's modifications to improve the energy efficiency program includes organizing approved EEPS programs into specific classification groups of similar programs; providing greater flexibility to program administrators; streamlining procedures for program administrators to pre-screen energy efficiency measures for cost-effectiveness; making it easier for program administrators to moderate the rebate levels in order to stretch out available dollars to more customers; and allowing adjustments to customer rebate or incentive levels for certain residential electric and gas programs that are now subject to uniform statewide rebate levels.

Since June 2008, the Commission has provided funding for the electric portion of the EEPS Program totaling $317 million annually through 2011. In May 2009, the Commission established targets for gas efficiency programs and subsequently authorized expenditures totaling $138 million annually. There are more than 100 energy efficiency programs for residential, commercial, and industrial customers now available.

The Commission's decision today, when issued, may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's Web site at www.dps.state.ny.us and entering Case Number 07-M-0548 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500).

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