News from New York State Public Service Commission

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

PSC Sponsors Regional Roundtable Discussions on Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard for New York State

ALBANY, NY (10/12/2007; 1522)(readMedia)-- The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) today announced the first 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. Additional roundtables will be scheduled.

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 discussions will be used to inform the PSC as it sets policies related to the EPS and various energy efficiency initiatives. The dates and location of the regional roundtable discussions are as follows:

Wednesday, October 17, 2007 1:00pm-3:30pm George Korutz Justice Building 31 Avenue C, Johnson City Southern Tier Region – Residential Consumers

Thursday, October 18, 2007 2:00pm-4:30pm Schenectady County Public Library 99 Clinton Street, Schenectady Capital District Region – Residential

Friday, October 19, 2007 9:00am-11:30am North Country Community College, Saranac Lake Campus 23 Santanoni Avenue, Saranac Lake North Country Region-Residential 1:00pm-2:30pm – Business

During the regional roundtable discussions, participants will learn about the EPS proceeding which was initiated by the PSC to determine the most effective ways to reduce energy usage and achieve new levels of energy efficiency.

The regional roundtable discussions are intended to encourage an interactive exchange of information and provide an opportunity to hear the thoughts and ideas of community and business leaders on the following topics: energy efficiency programs and services important to residential and business 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 discussions. To register, please call 518-474-1680 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-