Illinois Commerce Commission approves utility energy efficiency plans
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved this week plans developed by the state’s largest utilities to encourage energy efficiency and decrease demand over the next four years.
ICC approved plans for Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Peoples Gas, and Nicor. The Commission conditionally approved Ameren Illinois’ request for a modified electric savings plan, subject to a compliance filing from the company that includes changes to its plan to provide further savings for consumers.
Commission staff will initiate workshops with Ameren Illinois and all interested stakeholders to create a plan by which the company can reach savings goals. The commission’s order also directed Ameren Illinois to donate any performance incentives from meeting to a charitable organization that provides energy efficiency support to low-income areas in its service territory.
The utilities will implement the plans from 2018 through 2021. Programs offered include discounts on energy-efficient light bulbs, collection and recycling of older, inefficient refrigerators, and air conditioning unit maintenance.
The Illinois Public Utilities Act directs certain electric and gas utilities to develop and implement the four-year energy efficiency plans. The Future Energy Jobs Act of December 2016 alters the creation and implementation of energy efficiency plans and provides additional funding for the programs.
