December 21, 2001—The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced new rules for its energy efficiency programs. Among the changes is a new provision that allows non-utility parties to make proposals directly to the PUC for a portion of the funding. For example, local governments, community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, and for-profit energy service providers would all be eligible for funding.
Statewide programs will be funded at $160 million in 2002, and local programs will be funded at $75 million; non-utility parties will be eligible for approximately 65 percent of the local program funding.
The decision adopted in November recommends that the Commission choose proposals based mainly on the following criteria: long-term electric peak demand savings; innovative ideas, new delivery mechanisms, and emerging technologies; coordination with programs run by other entities; clear link between proposed activities and eventual energy savings; cost effectiveness; addressing market failures or barriers; and equitable access to energy efficiency alternatives for underserved or hard-to-reach markets. For more information visit CPUC.
