Center Intervenes at DE Public Service Commission For Improved Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Demand Response Programs

Integrated resource planning (IRP) is a method by which public utilities can be responsive and efficient in the present and future delivery of electric power in ways that minimize the need to build additional power plants and maximize the use of existing infrastructure.  It includes “demand side management” efforts which achieve conservation and energy efficiency gains from utility customers.  IRP also includes “demand response” efforts, which are interactive programs which incentivize the voluntary or involuntary avoidance of electricity consumption at peak demand times.

The Delaware General Assembly re-introduced a requirement for IRP two  years ago in H.B. 6.  The law states that the Delaware Public Service Commission shall develop a regulation pursuant to law which will establish the requirements of an Integrated Resource Plan for the primary distribution electric utility in the State.  H.B. 6 also required that utility, Delmarva Power & Light, to submit an IRP to the Commission. 

On behalf of its client, Clean Air Council, the Center filed an intervention Petition with the Commission in October 2007 in order to become a party to the Regulation proceeding.  The Intervention was granted. The matter has carried on into 2008 with evidentiary hearings and the filing of proposed improved language for the regulation.  The Center continues its representation with the goal of seeing a final regulation which most suitably advances energy efficiency and demand response programs so that electricity can be conserved and air pollution can be avoided in the near term and throughout the 10-year planning period of the IRP.  The Hearing Officer’s recommendation to the Commissioners is still awaited.