PUC, Sustainable Energy Board Meeting Highlights Current Projects

The PA Sustainable Energy Board, in conjunction with the Public Utility Commission, Thursday  held its annual meeting in Harrisburg to update Commonwealth agencies and other interested groups on activities of the regional Sustainable Energy Funds.

“These projects promote renewable energy, conservation and energy education, and directly affect Pennsylvania consumers,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “Our regional Sustainable Energy Funds have provided, and continue to provide, excellent opportunities in their regions and it is important to highlight these efforts.”

The PECO Sustainable Development Fund, presented information on its community solar project in the Philadelphia Navy Yard and its building energy conservation financing program.

The PPL Sustainable Energy Fund highlighted its nonprofit energy savings agreement program.

The West Penn Power Co. Sustainable Energy Fund provided an overview of programs and projects it has supported, including recently completed projects such as the Elk Country Visitor Center and the Geisinger Health System.

Representatives of the Metropolitan-Edison Co. (Met-Ed) and Pennsylvania Electric Co. (Penelec) Sustainable Energy Fund highlighted an $18.9 million Titanium Mill relocation/ reconstruction energy efficiency project, its ongoing energy audit program, an energy efficiency grant to Pocono Environmental Education Center, and other key activities from 2015.

Links to the presentations are available online:

-- The Reinvestment Fund Sustainable Development Fund;

-- Sustainable Energy Fund;

-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund; and

-- Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund

The PASEB was originally established by the Commission in 1999 to provide oversight, guidance and technical assistance to the regional sustainable energy boards that have funded projects such as wind farms, solar power systems, smart thermostat programs and the construction of buildings using energy efficient technologies.

On Aug. 7, 2003, the Commission issued an order further defining the role of the PASEB. That order charged the PASEB with holding an annual meeting; enhancing communications among the four funds and state agencies; and establishing bylaws and a “best business practices” model.

For more information, visit the PA Sustainable Energy Board webpage.