lCC Administrative Law Judges Approve $7.5 Million in Energy Efficiency Programs

ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES APPROVE $7.5 MILLION IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS

CHICAGO, IL – Administrative Law Judges at the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recommended a provision today in Peoples Gas Light & Coke Company’s and North Shore Gas Company's General Rate Case to allocate $ 7.5 million to energy efficiency programs for State of Illinois residents.

The Administrative Law Judges stated in their proposed order, "The Commission is highly pleased to consider and accept the EEP and it commends the concerted efforts and good work that brought it to the table."

The order marks a significant victory for energy efficiency advocates and consumers.  Energy efficiency programs reduce the amount of energy needed for consumers. As a result, the average Illinois consumer participating in the energy efficiency program stands to save hundreds of therms of natural gas annually translating to up to $100 or more in annual savings due to reduced energy usage.

"This funding puts the State of Illinois and Illinois consumers on the right track. Expanding energy efficiency programs reduces pollution and keeps more money in Illinois' economy. And with gas prices on the rise, consumers can put more money back in their pocketbooks," stated Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law and Policy Center.

Natural gas energy efficiency programs have been implemented by utilities in over 20 states including Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.  According to American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), consumers typically save two dollars for every dollar spent on energy efficiency.

In Illinois, these programs also have the potential to produce an enormous economic benefit by keeping dollars in our state economy, instead of spending more to import out-of-state natural gas.   The Illinois economy could potentially gain nearly 6,500 net jobs and $220 million in additional net annual employee compensation in Illinois by 2010, and 13,000 net new jobs and $440 million in net additional annual employee compensation by 2020.  

Energy efficiency programs are designed for residential heating customers, low income customers and small commercial customers.  Programs can include high-efficiency furnaces, energy audits and weatherproofing homes to decrease heating and cooling cost.

           

                                                                            ###