Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approves AEP-Ohio energy efficiency plan
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) agreed this week to allow AEP-Ohio to continue and further develop its energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs through 2020.
PUCO also approved a $110 million annual program cost cap in order to prevent increases in the cost of the programs.
AEP-Ohio will offer a variety of programs to both residential and business customers, including home weatherization assistance, rebates and incentives for energy-efficient products, in-home energy audits, appliance recycling programs and several educational and training programs.
On Dec. 9, 2016, AEP-Ohio and 13 interested parties signed a stipulation solving all unsettled issues and recommended PUCO approval. The stipulation was signed by AEP-Ohio, PUCO staff, Environmental Defense Fund, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Interstate Gas Supply, Inc., Kroger, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Natural Resources Defense Council, Ohio Energy Group, Ohio Environmental Council, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy.
Utilities are required by law to reach certain energy reduction targets each year. PUCO is responsible for evaluating energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs designed by utilities for meeting these benchmarks.
AEP-Ohio, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, serves approximately 1.5 million customers in Ohio.
