Regional Energy Efficiency News
2007
December
Sierra Pacific Power Receives Approval to Expand DSM
Programs, Nevada Power Files for Program Expansion
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada has approved Sierra Pacific Power
Company’s request to expand their DSM programs to a funding level of about $10
million per year during 2008-2010. At this funding level, the utility projects
it will achieve first year savings of 86 GWh/yr on average. This is equivalent
to saving about 1.0% of its retail electricity sales from DSM programs each
year. Sierra Pacific Power provides electricity in northern Nevada. In addition,
Nevada Power Company recently filed proposed amendments to its DSM programs that
would increase funding to about $44 million per year and result in first year
savings of 184 GWh/yr in 2008-09. This is equivalent to saving over 0.9% of this
utility’s retail electricity sales from DSM programs each year. Nevada Power
provides electricity in southern Nevada. SWEEP assisted the utilities in
developing new and expanded DSM programs, and filed testimony before the PUCN on
these issues.
Colorado Energy Efficiency Business
Coalition Formed
On December 3, the formation of the Colorado Energy Efficiency Business
Coalition (CEEBC) was announced at the ENERGY STAR Summit held in Denver.
The new coalition was formed to support policies, programs, and business practices that will increase the market for energy efficiency products and services by identifying and supporting opportunities for increasing energy efficiency investment; building support by recruiting members from across the energy efficiency industry; being a voice for the energy efficiency industry as policies and programs are being debated; advocating for more energy efficiency investment by the state, utilities, and local governments; and keeping its members informed about energy efficiency programs and policies.
SWEEP is a founding member of CEEBC, along with companies such as Owens Corning, Johns Manville, Lennox, Trane, Comfort Air, and Champion Windows.
New Mexico Becomes 13th State to Adopt
California GHG Limits on New Cars
After two days of joint hearings, the Albuquerque-Bernalillo Air Quality Control
Board (AQCB) and the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) adopted
Clean Car standards to reduce air pollution and global warming emissions from
new cars, trucks, and SUVs beginning in 2011. This makes New Mexico the
thirteenth state to adopt the Clean Car program.
Initiated in California, the Clean Car program has been adopted by twelve other states: Maine, California, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, and Oregon. States currently considering the standards include Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Florida.
The Clean Cars program consists of three elements. First, the low emission vehicle (LEV II) program sets strict standards for traditional air pollutants. Second, the green house gas emissions standards set a fleet-wide average emission standard that the major automakers need to achieve. Third, the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) program helps to drive further technological development by requiring automakers to invest in researching and producing advanced-technology vehicles.
If fully implemented, by 2016, new cars would emit approximately 34% fewer global warming gases, while light-duty trucks would produce 25% less.
November
New Mexico Gov. Richardson Establishes Energy Efficiency
Goals for State
On November 16, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed Executive Order
2007-053, setting goals of reducing energy use per capita in the state 10% below
2005 levels by 2012 and 20% below 2005 levels by 2020. The Order also directs
state agencies to reduce their energy use 20% by 2015. Governor Richardson also
announced his support for a number of legislative and budgetary initiatives to
advance energy efficiency in the 2008 legislative session (see press release).
SWEEP assisted the Governor’s Office in developing the goals and initiatives.
SWEEP Announces Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award
Winners
The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) recently announced the winners
of its 2007 Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award. The award is given annually
to policy makers and others who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing
energy efficiency in the Southwest.
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is being honored for adopting a strong statewide energy efficiency goal. On November 14, the Governor announced an Executive Order setting goals of reducing total energy use per capita in the state 10 percent by 2012 and 20 percent by 2020, relative to 2005 per capita energy use.
In September, the City of Albuquerque adopted a High-Performance Building Ordinance that will minimize the environmental impacts of residential and commercial buildings by more efficiently using energy, water, and materials. The ordinance was developed through efforts led by Mayor Martin Chávez and City Councilor Isaac Benton.
Nevada State Senator Michael Schneider and Nevada State Assemblyman David Bobzien are being honored for their work on Assembly Bill 178, now law in Nevada, which establishes a minimum energy efficiency performance standard for general-purpose lamps sold in the state beginning in 2012. AB 178 effectively bans today's general service incandescent light bulbs.
SWEEP releases report on high performance homes
On November 14, SWEEP released a new report that suggests there is enormous
potential for energy and cost savings by making new homes highly energy
efficient. High Performance Homes in the Southwest: Savings Potential,
Cost Effectiveness and Policy Options evaluates the energy and cost
savings potential from constructing more efficient new homes in five Southwest
states, and makes policy recommendations to achieve greater energy savings in
new homes. High performance homes consume 40-60% less energy than typical new
homes. Constructing large numbers of high performance and net-zero energy homes
in the southwest could save 2.7 billion kWh by 2020–enough power to serve 25,000
households annually for ten years–and reduce peak electricity demand by 1,400
megawatts. The following are links to the executive summary of the study, the
complete study, a fact sheet, and SWEEP's press release.
Colorado Governor Announces Climate Action Plan and
Emissions Reduction Goals
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter unveiled Colorado’s first Climate Action Plan on
November 5. The plan includes goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20%
below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050, and also strategies
for moving toward these goals, including establishing stronger energy efficiency
policies and programs in Colorado and joining other states in adopting Clean Car
Standards for new passenger vehicles. SWEEP assisted the Colorado Governor’s
Energy Office in developing the energy efficiency portion of the Climate Action
Plan.
Utah Utility Commission Maintains Decoupling Mechanism for
Questar Gas
The Public Service Commission of Utah issued an order on November 5 that
continues the so-called Conservation Enabling Tariff (CET) for the remaining two
years of its pilot phase. This tariff decouples gas utility sales and fixed cost
recovery, thereby removing any disincentive to the promotion of energy
efficiency and conservation by natural gas utilities. Questar Gas Company, the
one investor-owned gas utility in Utah, has initiated comprehensive energy
efficiency programs for its residential and commercial customers in conjunction
with approval of this tariff. SWEEP along with its partner Utah Clean Energy
supported continuation of the CET.
October
Xcel Energy Proposes Major Expansion of DSM Programs in
Colorado
Xcel Energy, the largest investor-owned electric utility operating in Colorado,
has proposed investing $738 million in demand-side management (DSM) programs
over the period 2009-2020. With this level of DSM investment, the company
expects to achieve 694 MW of peak demand reduction and 2,351 GWh of electricity
savings by 2020 from programs implemented beginning in 2009. The latter value is
equivalent to about 9% of Xcel's total retail electricity sales as of 2006. The
Company also projects over $1.3 billion in net economic benefits for consumers
and businesses from its proposal. For further details, see the two links below.
Testimony Filed in Nevada Resource Planning Docket
SWEEP’s Executive Director Howard Geller submitted testimony on behalf of
Nevadans for Clean Affordable Reliable Energy (NCARE), regarding demand-side
management (DSM) programs proposed by Sierra Pacific Power Company as part of
its Integrated Resource Plan for 2008-2027. The Company, which supplies power to
Reno and surrounding areas in northern Nevada, has proposed doubling its DSM
budget and achieving a 1% reduction in load growth from DSM programs implemented
each year during 2008-2010. Dr. Geller’s testimony recommended a number of
improvements to SPPC’s DSM proposals.
Utah Energy Efficiency Strategy Released
On October 16 SWEEP and Utah Clean Energy submitted its Utah Energy Efficiency
Strategy to Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. The Strategy includes recommendations
for new policies and programs to meet the Governor’s goal of increasing energy
efficiency in Utah 20% by 2015. Implementing these policies and programs would
save consumers and businesses in Utah more than $7 billion, according to the new
report. “The Utah Energy Efficiency Strategy provides a blueprint for achieving
enormous energy savings, substantial economic benefits, and reduced pollutant
emissions. It demonstrates that aggressively pursuing energy efficiency is a
winning strategy for Utah’s citizens, businesses, government and environment,”
Governor Huntsman said on release of the Strategy.
- Read the Utah Energy Efficiency Strategy
- Read the press release announcing the release of the report
- Read the Deseret Morning News article about the report
- Read the Salt Lake Tribune article about the report
City of Albuquerque Adopts Green Building
Ordinance
The City of Albuquerque’s ‘High Performance Building Ordinance’, adopted by the
Albuquerque City Council on September 17, 2007, establishes building design and
construction code requirements that are designed to minimize the environmental
impacts of residential and commercial buildings in Albuquerque by using energy,
water and materials more efficiently. The requirements apply to new construction
and remodeling or repairs to equipment and systems in existing buildings.
The energy efficiency features of the ordinance include high-efficiency HVAC requirements; enhanced building insulation and sealing requirements; ‘cool roof’ requirements; requires 70 percent or more of light fixtures in all residential buildings to be ENERGY STAR-rated, high-efficiency fluorescent tubes, or CFLs; high-efficiency water heating requirements; and clothes washers, freezers, refrigerators, and dishwashers must be ENERGY STAR certified.
The Ordinance was developed by the Albuquerque City Council and the Mayor’s Green Ribbon Task Force. The City will periodically review and update the code to reflect advancements in technology, construction standards, and public policy. The City will also offer incentives for high-performance, beyond-code buildings, and a financial assistance program to help elderly and low-income homeowners comply with the Ordinance.
City of Albuquerque Green Building Programs:
www.cabq.gov/sustainability/green-goals/green-building
High Performance Buildings Ordinance:
daystar2.cabq.gov:81/detailreport/Reports/Temp/1042007114914.pdf
- Volume I: Commercial and Multi-Family Residential Buildings
- Volume II: One- and Two-Family Detached Dwellings and Townhouses
September
SWEEP Files Testimony on DSM Docket in Nevada
SWEEP recently testified in Nevada Public Utility Commission dockets concerning
shareholder incentives for demand-side management programs. In its testimony,
SWEEP supported the continuation of the additional return on equity that
investor-owned utilities in Nevada can earn on their DSM investments.
SWEEP Releases Building Energy Code Report
SWEEP this month released its most recent report, Building Energy Codes in
Arizona: Best Practices in Code Support, Compliance, and Enforcement.
Prepared for NAIMA, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, the
report identifies the best management practices currently employed across
Arizona in regards to energy code support, compliance, and enforcement.
Key findings include: Education and training for building industry professionals and code officials and inspectors is essential; regular interaction between the municipal code department and the building industry is important for exchanging information regarding code updates, code compliance options, and innovative construction techniques; leading building departments make it easy for inspectors to enforce codes by providing them with compliance software, simple code checklists, and training; an “energy code champion” within the building department is critical to ensuring that energy code support, compliance, and enforcement is a high priority; and best management practices lay the groundwork for communities to pursue beyond-energy code green building programs.
Read the Arizona Building Energy Code Report
August
New Mexico Commission Approves DSM Programs Proposed by PNM
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) has approved nine demand-side
management programs proposed by Public Service of New Mexico (PNM). The programs
have a total first year budget of $7.5 million, equivalent to about 1.3% of
PNM’s retail sales revenue. The programs include residential lighting, new
homes, air conditioning load control, and refrigerator recycling programs;
commercial lighting and load control programs; and promotion of energy-efficient
evaporative cooling technology. In addition, PNM will implement a self-direction
program for its larger customers. SWEEP assisted PNM with the development of the
programs and supported their approval before the PRC.
Arizona Public Service Receives Approval for DSM Incentive
Mechanism
The Arizona Corporation Commission recently approved a demand-side management
(DSM) incentive mechanism for Arizona Public Service (APS). In addition to
normal cost recovery, the incentive allows the utility to earn a bonus of 10% of
the net economic benefits resulting from its DSM programs in any year, capped at
10% of the utility’s total DSM program expenditures. This is the incentive
proposed by APS and supported by SWEEP in APS’s most recent rate case. For
details, see the DSM section Final Opinion and Order by
clicking here.
Tucson Electric Power Submits Demand-Side Management Plan
Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) recently submitted a demand-side management
(DSM) program plan covering the years 2008 – 2012 for review and approval by the
Arizona Corporation Commission. The TEP plan proposes ten different DSM programs
for residential and business customers, with a total budget of $63.3 million
over five years and $12.4 million in 2008 alone. The latter represents about
1.5% of TEP’s annual retail sales revenue. The company estimates that the
programs would result in 183 MW of coincident peak demand reduction and 212 GWh
per year of electricity savings, while providing $81.4 million in net economic
benefits for consumers, by the end of 2012. SWEEP assisted TEP with the
preparation of this new DSM plan.
Western Climate Initiative Releases Regional Goal Statement
As follow-up to it February 2007 formation, the Western Climate Initiative this
month announced a regional goal to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions by
15% below 2005 levels by 2020 and by 50% - 80% below current levels by 2050.
Since its formation membership in the WCI has expanded, and now includes the
U.S. states of Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington,
and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba. Actions to achieve
the goal will be comprehensive and economy-wide, and will include regional
market-based mechanisms that target the residential, commercial, industrial,
transportation, waste management, agriculture, and forestry sectors.
July
ENERGY STAR New Homes
ENERGY STAR Homes Account for Nearly 30% of New Homes Built in the Southwest
ENERGY STAR’s recently released 2006 market index for new homes shows that the Southwest region continues to have among the highest rates of ENERGY STAR market penetration for new homes in the nation. In 2006, nearly 1 in 3 new single-family homes built in the Southwest were ENERGY STAR qualified. Three Southwest states (Nevada, Arizona, and Utah) have market penetration rates that are significantly greater than the national average rate of 12%. The number of new ENERGY STAR single-family homes built annually in the Southwest region annually has nearly doubled between 2003 and 2006.
Homes that earn the Energy Star offer homeowners all the features they want in a new home, plus energy-efficiency improvements that deliver better performance, greater comfort, and lower utility bills (up to $400 in annual savings), all while helping to protect the environment. ENERGY STAR Homes are at least 15% more efficient than the 2004 International Residential Code, and are typically 20-30% more efficient than non-ENERGY STAR homes.
|
ENERGY STAR Homes: Southwest States (2003-2006) |
|||||
| State |
Market Penetration |
||||
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
(2006) |
|
| Nevada |
9,963 |
13,900 |
16,100 |
18,191 |
71% |
| Arizona |
10,127 |
11,394 |
17,102 |
20,101 |
36% |
| Colorado |
1,402 |
1,614 |
2,083 |
2,201 |
7% |
| Utah |
352 |
352 |
1,414 |
3,554 |
16% |
| New Mexico |
930 |
157 |
332 |
570 |
5% |
| Region | 22,774 |
27,417 |
37,031 |
44,617 |
27% |
For more information, visit ENERGY STAR New Homes.
Sierra Pacific Power Proposes Expanded DSM Programs
Sierra Pacific Power Co., the investor-owned utility serving northern
Nevada, has proposed a significant expansion of its DSM programs as part
of a new Integrated Resource Plan recently filed with the Public
Utilities Commission. The utility is requesting approval of 14 DSM
programs at a budget of around $10 million per year during 2008-2010.
For comparison, the utility spent less than $5 million per year on DSM
programs as of 2006-2007. SWEEP assisted the Sierra Pacific Power with
the design of new and expanded programs. For more details,
see report.
May
Utility Demand-Side Management Legislation Signed in
Colorado
On May 22, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed into law House Bill 07-1037.
Sponsored by Representative Claire Levy and Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald,
the policy will facilitate the expansion and implementation of utility
electricity and natural gas energy efficiency programs, helping consumers reduce
their energy use and lower energy bills. SWEEP estimates that households and
businesses in Colorado will save $1.2 billion as a result of this legislation.
At the same time, less water will be consumed and less pollution will be emitted
by power plants.
HB 1037 directs the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to establish
energy savings goals and provide positive financial incentives for utility
energy efficiency programs. These programs educate consumers and provide
incentives to residents and businesses that purchase energy-efficient lights,
appliances, insulation, and other conservation measures. Utility energy
efficiency programs must produce benefits that exceed their costs, according to
the legislation.
To learn more about HB-1037 and other SWEEP legislative efforts, visit
http://www.swenergy.org/legislative/2007/index.html.
SWEEP’s Executive Director Pens ASE Guest Column
Howard Geller, SWEEP’s Executive Director, contributed a Guest Column to the
Alliance to Save Energy’s May 2007 State Energy Efficiency Policy Bulletin.
“Energy Efficiency on the Rise in the Southwest” outlines the progress that has
been made in recent years to grow utility-sponsored electric demand-side
management programs in the Southwest. Program spending has grown from less than
$50 million in 2003 to over $130 million in 2007.
Building Code Legislation Signed in Colorado
On May 3, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed into law House Bill 07-1146,
legislation that will strengthen building codes throughout the state. HB-1146
requires all cities and counties with building codes to adopt and enforce a
relatively up-to-date building energy code. This will ensure that all new
residential and commercial buildings in these jurisdictions are at least
moderately energy efficient. It is more cost-effective to build energy-efficient
homes and commercial buildings than to attempt to retrofit efficiency measures
into buildings after they are constructed. The extra first cost for meeting
up-to-date energy codes is relatively small relative to the value of the energy
savings over the life of the building.
SWEEP estimates that HB-1146 could save consumers and businesses $500 million,
assuming it affects 20% of new homes and commercial buildings built in Colorado
during 2008-2020.
To learn more about HB-1146 and other SWEEP legislative efforts, visit
http://www.swenergy.org/legislative/2007/index.html.
April
Colorado Governor Ritter Issues ‘Greening of Government’
Order
Gov. Bill Ritter today put an exclamation point on the New Energy
Economy accomplishments of his first 100 days in office by issuing a “Greening
of State Government” executive order. The executive order establishes a goal of
achieving at least a 20% reduction in energy consumption of state facilities
below fiscal year 2005-2006 levels by fiscal year 2011-2012, and the goal of
developing an energy management plan and studying the feasibility of energy
performance contracting for all state owned facilities, by January 2008. Gov.
Ritter also renamed the Office of Energy Management and Conservation to the
Governor’s Energy Office, to better reflect the agency’s broader mission of
advancing Colorado’s New Energy Economy.
SWEEP Releases New Report with the Center of
the American West
What is the cleanest, least risky, and most economical source of
energy? Wind? Solar? In fact, the most promising energy source of all is the
energy saved by cutting waste and increasing efficiency. This is the central
claim of What Every Westerner Should Know About Energy Efficiency and
Conservation: A Guide to a New Relationship, a new report jointly prepared
by SWEEP and the Center of the American West at the University of Colorado at
Boulder.
What Every Westerner Should Know About Energy Efficiency and Conservation
provides information on how Westerners use energy now; the enormous benefits of
greater energy efficiency and conservation; practical recommendations for saving
energy; profiles of exemplary Western citizens, businesses, and governmental
entities; the barriers to greater energy efficiency and how to overcome them;
and what governments and utilities can do to promote greater energy efficiency.
- Read What Every Westerner Should Know About Energy Efficiency and Conservation
- Read SWEEP’s press release announcing the report release
SWEEP Describes Energy Efficiency’s Role in Reducing Global
Warming
SWEEP’s Arizona Representative Jeff Schlegel presented to Phoenix-based Salt
River Project, one of the major electricity and natural gas utilities in
Arizona, about the potential energy efficiency holds in addressing climate
change. With Arizona’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions projected to increase 148%
by 2020, energy efficiency has the potential to provide one-third of the
emissions reductions needed to meet the goals established by Arizona Governor
Janet Napolitano, of reducing GHG emissions to 2000 levels by 2020, and 50%
below 2000 levels by 2040. Pursuing this energy efficiency potential would also
result in $5.5 billion in net economic benefits for the state.
March
SWEEP Presents at ACEEE Market
Transformation Symposium
SWEEP Executive Director Howard Geller was asked to provide a
presentation for the 2007 National Symposium on Market Transformation, held
March 20 and 21 in Washington D.C., and sponsored by the American Council for an
Energy-Efficient Economy.
Update on Energy Efficiency Efforts in the Southwest gives the latest report
on utility demand-side management (DSM) spending in the states in which SWEEP
works, including Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
Utility DSM spending in 2007 is expected to reach approximately $134 million, up
from just $29 million in 2002. As Dr. Geller could not personally attend the
symposium, his presentation was give by Marc Hoffman, Executive Director of the
Consortium for Energy Efficiency.
Utah Governor Signs Energy Efficiency Legislation
On March 16, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman signed into law House Bill 351,
sponsored by Representative Roger Barrus of Centerville. Designed to help remove
the barrier of capital constraints for energy efficiency investments, HB 351
will save energy and tax payer dollars, and prevent pollution. The bill
establishes a revolving loan fund to provide low-interest loans (2 to 3%) for
energy efficiency projects to K-12 schools through a one-time appropriation of
$5 million. Loans would be provided for retrofit of existing buildings as well
as energy efficiency upgrades to new buildings. In addition to loans, technical
assistance would also be provided to help public agencies and school districts
conduct energy audits, design and implement energy efficiency projects, and
maximize energy savings. This program would be modeled after successful loan
funds created in Iowa (Iowa Energy Bank) and Texas (Texas Loan Star). For
additional information on House Bill 351, visit SWEEP’s Utah Legislative
Activities page at
www.swenergy.org/legislative/2007/utah/index.html, or the website of the
Utah State Legislature, at
www.le.state.ut.us/~2007/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0351.htm.
Energy Efficiency Legislation Adopted in New Mexico
The New Mexico State Legislature concluded its 2007 session on March 16. Two
useful energy efficiency provisions were adopted this year, one that provides
state income tax incentives for energy-efficient LEED-certified new homes and
commercial buildings, and a second that makes changes to the 2005 Efficient Use
of Energy Act concerning utility energy efficiency programs. Both of these
changes should facilitate the expansion of utility energy efficiency programs in
New Mexico, programs that to date have been limited in budget and scope. For
details, visit SWEEP’s New Mexico Legislative Activities page at
www.swenergy.org/legislative/2007/newmexico/index.html.
February
Five Western States form Western Regional Climate Action
Initiative
The Governors of Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington
recently announced the formation of the Western Regional Climate Action
Initiative to implement a joint strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Governors Janet Napolitano, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Richardson, Ted
Kulongoski, and Chris Gregoire signed the agreement that directs their
respective states to, within the next six months, develop a regional target for
reducing greenhouse gases. During the next 18 months, they will devise a
market-based program, such as a load-based cap and trade program, to reach the
target. The five states also have agreed to participate in a multi-state
registry to track and manage greenhouse gas emissions in their region.
Individually, the five states have shown national and international leadership
as they tackle global warming, with each state having adopted or committed to
adopting state reduction goals, clean tailpipe standards, mandatory emissions
reporting, and renewable portfolio standards to accelerate the transition to
non-fossil fuel based energy sources.
Colorado Public Utilities Commission Investigating DSM
Policies
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission recently opened an investigatory docket
to examine demand-side management (DSM) policies in the state. To that end, on
February 8 the commission held a day-long DSM workshop for PUC commissioners and
other interested parties. The presentations below outline the history of DSM
policy in Colorado, and explore opportunities for change and greater
effectiveness.
- PSCo DSM History and Current Status – Xcel Energy
- National Overview of the Status of Utility DSM – ACEEE
- National Perspective on Program Administration and Design Issues – Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- National Perspective on Cost Effectiveness, Cost Recovery, and Financial Incentives – Regulatory Assistance Project
- Perspectives on DSM Program Evaluation – Summit Blue
- Benchmarking 2005 DSM Results – Summit Blue
- Colorado Market Potential Assessment – Xcel Energy
- Demand Response and Advanced Metering – Xcel Energy
- Large Industrial Self-Direct Programs – Nexant
Public Service Company of New Mexico Proposes Nine
Electricity DSM Programs
Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) has proposed initiating nine
electricity DSM programs with a total projected first year budget of $7.5
million. The proposal, submitted to the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission
for review and approval, includes both energy efficiency and load management
programs for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The proposed
programs are expected to reduce electricity use by 84 GWh per year and cut peak
demand by up to 64 MW (including dispatchable demand) by 2010. SWEEP assisted
PNM in planning the DSM programs. For more details, see the links below.
- Read PNM’s testimony to the Public Regulatory Commission
- Read the Electric Energy Efficiency Program Plan
SWEEP Submits Comments on Financial
Incentives for DSM Programs in Nevada
SWEEP Nevada Representative Steve Wiel submitted testimony to the Public
Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) regarding the financial incentives that
investor-owned utilities should be given to stimulate their investment in
demand-side management (DSM) programs. SWEEP recommends that utilities be
allowed to earn a higher-than-normal rate of return on DSM investments, with the
return tied to the cost effectiveness of the DSM programs and the level of
energy savings and peak demand reduction achieved (see testimony for details).
The PUCN has opened a docket on this issue.
Click here to read Mr. Wiel’s
testimony.
January
New Colorado Governor Makes Commitment to Energy Efficiency
Recently-elected Colorado Governor Bill Ritter kicked off his governorship with
a “State of the State” address to the Colorado General Assembly on January 11,
2007. Amongst the many policy highlights of his address, Gov. Ritter committed
by executive order to adopting the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) goal of
achieving a 20 percent increase in energy efficiency statewide by 2020. Colorado
thus joins other Southwest states, including Arizona and Utah, in formally
committing to meeting this goal.
- Click here to learn more about the WGA energy efficiency goal.
- Click here to read Governor Bill Ritter’s “State of the State” Address.
Utah Public Service Commission Approves Natural Gas DSM
Programs
The Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved Questar Gas Company's
application to initiate five natural gas demand-side management programs for
residential and commercial customers. The estimated first-year budget for these
programs is $7.0 million. Programs implemented in 2007 alone are expected to
yield $8.8 million in net benefits for consumers. Visit
http://www.psc.utah.gov/gas/07orders/Jan/05057T01o.pdf to learn more
about this ruling.
SWEEP Testifies Regarding Energy Efficiency Programs for
Tucson Electric Power
SWEEP’s Arizona Representative Jeff Schlegel filed testimony before the Arizona
Corporation Commission (ACC) regarding energy efficiency programs implemented by
Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP). SWEEP urged the ACC to direct TEP to
greatly expand energy efficiency programs for its customers and to set energy
savings goals, including obtaining at least 15% of the company’s energy
resources from efficiency programs by 2020. SWEEP estimates that achieving the
goals would save TEP’s consumers and businesses over $450 million net and
eliminate the need for about 500 MW of new power plants by 2020. SWEEP is an
intervener in a rate case filed by TEP.
Click here to read Mr.
Schlegel’s testimony.
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Last Updated: 03/14/2008