News from New York State Public Service Commission

For more information contact: James Denn, 518-474-7080

PSC Sponsors Regional Roundtable Discussion

Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard for New York State

ALBANY, NY (10/23/2007; 1313)(readMedia)-- The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) today announced another one in a series of Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard regional roundtable discussions that will bring together community and business leaders committed to addressing energy efficiency and conservation. Previously, regional roundtables were held in the Southern Tier, the Capital District, and the North Country.

In May 2007 the PSC initiated the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EPS) proceeding to achieve the goal of 15 percent reduction in electricity usage below the forecasted levels in 2015. This is among the most ambitious energy reduction goal of any state in the nation. The EPS proceeding also calls for a similarly ambitious energy reduction target in natural gas.

The input provided at the regional roundtable discussion will be used to inform the PSC as it sets policies related to the EPS and various energy efficiency initiatives. The date and location of the regional roundtable discussion is as follows:

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

10:00am-12:30 pm

Association for Energy Affordability, Inc.

505 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY

New York City Metropolitan Region-Low Income/Weatherization Advocates

As an indicator of the growing importance of New York’s role in energy efficiency deliberations, PSC Commissioner Cheryl A. Buley has been named as a member of the leadership group of the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, made up of more than 50 leading organizations seeking to create a sustainable, aggressive national commitment to energy efficiency through gas and electric utilities, utility regulators, and partner organizations.

In response to the EPS initiative, PSC staff recently received updates on energy efficiency issues nationwide and an overview of the National Action Plan. Staff participated in interactive workshops addressing energy efficiency issues, such as cost of energy efficiency, barriers to energy efficiency, building codes and standards, energy efficiency in utility energy planning, utility revenue stability and incentives for energy efficiency, and customer benefits from best practice energy efficiency programs.

As part of the ongoing regional roundtable discussion, participants will learn about the EPS proceeding to determine the most effective ways to reduce energy usage and achieve new levels of energy efficiency.

The regional roundtable discussion is intended to encourage an interactive exchange of information and provide an opportunity to hear the thoughts and ideas of community leaders on the following topics: energy efficiency programs and services important to residential customers; assistance needed to take advantage of these programs and services; and barriers that prevent them from accessing the efficiency programs and services.

There is no fee to register for the regional roundtable discussion. To register, please call toll-free 1-877-661-9223 or e-mail Pamela Carter at energy_efficiency@dps.state.ny.us. To learn more about the EPS proceeding, please visit the PSC’s www.AskPSC.com consumer Web site.

-30-