An Update on Energy Efficiency Policies Across the Northeast

				*A quarterly publication of*
Second Quarter 2005

An Update on Energy Efficiency Policies Across the Northeast

Click here to read an update on NEEP's Regional Initiatives and Training and Education activities

REGIONAL ACEEE Releases an Updated Analysis of Natural Gas Markets: In April, The American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy (ACEEE) released Impacts of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy on Natural Gas Markets: Updated and Expanded Analysis. The report updates ACEEE's seminal December 2003 analysis and highlights the impacts of expanded energy efficiency and renewable energy investments on natural gas prices. Read the full report.

U.S. Mayors Endorse Action Against Warming: On June 13, 2005, the nation's mayors adopted a resolution entitled "Endorsing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement" at the 73rd Annual Conference of Mayors in Chicago. The resolution calls for the mayors to take actions in their operations and communities including increasing energy efficiency in order to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution. Read the full resolution.

New Report Highlights Policy Options and Technologies for Global Climate Change: In June, the Pew Center on Global Climate Change released a report entitled U.S. Electric Power Sector and Climate Change Mitigation, identifying a number of technologies and policy options for achieving greenhouse gas reductions. These include establishing a firm regulatory timetable for reducing carbon emissions from the electricity industry such as a cap and trade system; and imposing stricter federal efficiency standards for appliances and buildings. Read the full report.

Connecticut DPUC Investigates an Energy Efficiency Alternative Standard Offer for UI and CL&P: The Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) has opened docket 05-03-14 to investigate an Energy Efficiency Alternative Transitional Standard Offer (ATSO) for The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) and The United Illuminated Company (UI). Under the current Energy Efficiency Working Group's plan, CL&P and UI would conduct a joint competitive bidding process to select two ATSO suppliers who would offer to contract with UI and CL&P customers that choose to obtain energy efficiency services and/or products. The likely market for this offering is small to medium commercial and industrial customers but no customer class limits are proposed for the initial solicitation. For more information and to check the status of the docket, click here.

DPUC Approves 2005 Conservation and Load Management Plan: The Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) filed a final decision on March 30, 2005 approving the 2005 Conservation and Load Management (C&LM) Plan for The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) and The United Illuminated Company (UI). The 2005 Plan has been affected by the impact of State legislation and diverts $1 million a monthly through July 2005 from the C&LM budget to the State of Connecticut's General Fund. The total 2005 C&LM budget for CL&P is $58,196,302 while UI's budget is $17,364,084. To read the full decision, click here.

Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change Receives EPA Award: The Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change was named as one of the recipients of the 2005 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Annual Climate Protection Award this May. The award commends the Steering Committee for developing the Connecticut Climate Change Action Plan 2005 which includes 55 recommendations- including a number of efficiency measures- that when implemented will enable the state to meet its 2010 and 2020 goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Read the press release.

Update on DPUC Gas Utility Supply Forecast Hearings: Over the past quarter, the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) has continued its review of the Connecticut Gas Utilities Forecast of Demand and Supply and Conservation 2005-2009 (Docket 04-10-02). As part of this review the DPUC is examining energy conservation issues to assess the potential for an energy efficiency effort by the state's three natural gas utilities. During the month of June new testimony in support of a program to fund natural gas conservation measures was submitted by The Connecticut Fund for the Environment and The Sierra Club. Additional information can be found at the DPUC Web site.

Pending Legislation Would Protect CL&M Funds: House Bill 5567, "An Act Concerning the Conservation and Load Management Program Funds," passed the House Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee in April. This bill would ensure that the energy conservation and load management program funds are not diverted for any other purpose. Read the full bill.

ECMB Releases Annual Report: The Energy Conservation Management Board (ECMB) submitted its 2004 Connecticut Energy Conservation Report to the legislature. The Report highlights the Conservation and Load Management Fund's accomplishments for the past year including: the reduction of 180,290 tons of carbon dioxide, annual energy savings of 291 million kWh and savings of $32 million in electric energy costs. Read the full report here.

Senate Passes Energy Independence Bill: On June 28 the Connecticut Senate approved House Bill 7501, "An Act Concerning Energy Independence" during a special session and now awaits the Governor's signature. The Act will help address high energy prices and federally imposed congestion charges through creating specific quantifiable conservation and load management targets. The act also requires gas utilities to submit to the Department of Public Utility Control a gas conservation plan, (along with the company's five-year forecast) that would include specific quantifiable conservation and load management targets. Read the press release and the full bill.

Maine Update on Gas Efficiency Bill: On May 13, 2005 bill LD 397, "An Act To Promote the More Efficient Use of Natural Gas," was signed by the Governor as Chapter 110 Public Law. The new law requires each natural gas utility that serves 5,000 or more residential consumers to offer cost-effective conservation programs designed to promote the efficient use of natural gas similar to programs offered in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Read the full text of the law here.

Massachusetts Status of the 2005 Energy Efficiency Plans: The following efficiency program administrators have submitted their 2005 Electric Energy Efficiency Plans to the Division of Energy Resources (DOER): Massachusetts Electric/Nantucket Electric Company, NSTAR Electric and Cape Light Compact. Once approved by the DOER the Department of Telecommunications & Energy (DTE) will begin proceedings on these plans.

Pending Legislation: Hearings were held earlier in June regarding several bills pertaining to energy efficiency within the Commonwealth. A number of these bills aim to increase energy efficiency such as: S.1793 calling for the promotion of energy efficiency in state government by requiring an energy audit and planning guidelines; H.3265 and H.3268, which both address home energy ratings and link them to state-sponsored mortgages; and H.3293, "An Act Relative to School and Library Buildings," which would define energy efficiency as including the use of "green technology." However, other bills could be damaging to efficiency efforts, including: H.3266, "An Act Relative to Energy Conservation Measures," that would change the definition of cost-effectiveness from that currently used by the Department of Telecommunications and Energy, effectively eliminating most of the energy efficiency programs currently serving the residents and businesses of the Commonwealth; and H.3279 that would provide for a 5 percent rebate to be paid for out of SBC funds on the purchase of Energy Star qualified clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators sold in the Commonwealth. To check the status of these bills, please visit the Massachusetts General Court's Web site. NEEP's testimony is also available for: House Bill 3279; House Bill 3266; Multiple bills considered by the Joint Committee.

New Hampshire NH PUC Quarterly Report Available: The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) posted the state's Core Energy Efficiency Programs, First Quarter Results 2005. The report includes information on savings, expenses and budget details per activity from January 1 to March 31, 2005. The full report is available for viewing.

Legislative Update: The New Hampshire House and Senate have passed House Bill 129, establishing a high performance school incentive. While the original amendment to the bill had threatened the state's System Benefits Charge (SBC), a new amendment by Sen. Iris Estabrook (D-Durham) requires electric utilities that collect funds for energy efficiency programs to include in their commission plans specific options to improve indoor air quality or energy efficiency while preserving funds. To check the status of this bill, please visit the New Hampshire General Court Web site.

New Jersey Clean Energy Program Receives "Excellence" Award From EPA & DOE: New Jersey's Clean Energy Program received the Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Environmental Education Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The program was selected based on accomplishments such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing New Jersey electric customers with substantial savings through ENERGY STAR Homes, Residential Home Heating and Cooling Programs and the Customer-On-Site Renewable Energy rebates programs. Read the full press release.

Clean Energy Program Submits Fourth Quarter Report for 2004: In May, the New Jersey Clean Energy Programs submitted their Fourth Quarter Report for the year 2004 to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The 2004 Annual Report is expected to be available on the Clean Energy Program's Web site next month.

New York Governor Vetoes Budget Language: Gov. George Pataki recently vetoed language included in the New York State Legislature's budget amendment (Senate 3669; Assembly 6843) that would make the $150 million annual funding for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)-administered Energy $mart program subject to legislative appropriation. This language could still be re-instated by the Assembly and Senate until the end of the year.

New Climate Change Legislation Introduced: In April, Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Momoroneck) introduced Senate Bill 3959, "An Act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to enacting the New York State Global Climate Change Reduction Act." If enacted the bill would declare the greenhouse effect to be a serious problem and call for reductions in the emission of various greenhouse gases. The full bill can be read here.

PSC Conducts SBC Program Review: NEEP submitted comments in April to the Public Service Commission (PSC) as part of their ongoing review of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) System Benefits Charge (SBC) programs (Case 05-M-0090). NEEP recommended the continuation of the SBC program with an increase in funding levels; the creation of an SBC fund to establish and promote energy efficient gas programs; and to use SBC funds to promote energy efficiency as a cost-effective means to reduce CO2 emissions. Read NEEP's comments on this matter or access updates at the PSC Web site.

NYPA Releases 2004 Annual Report: The New York Power Authority (NYPA) released its 2004 Annual Report in April. The report highlights NYPA's achievements in energy efficiency including saving taxpayers more than $90 million in annual energy costs and avoiding more than 660,000 tons of greenhouse-gas emissions a year. Read the press release and full report.

Update on Con Edison Rate Plan: Last quarter the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a three year rate plan for Con Edison, which sets criteria for meeting the expected peak load growth through the expansion of energy efficiency and distributed generation programs via a partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). In conjunction with this rate plan, an Action Plan is expected to be submitted to the PSC in early July detailing how load growth will be met through System Benefits Charge (SBC) funded programs and through new demand side management programs to be administered by Con Edison and NYSERDA. To check on the status of this plan, please visit the PSC Web site.

Rhode Island Stakeholders Win US EPA Climate Protection Award: The Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Stakeholders were named as one of the recipients of the 2005 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Annual Climate Protection Award this May. The award commends the Stakeholders for their work in reducing greenhouse gas emissions since 2001 and for developing a state climate action plan. Read the press release.

Update on Providence LNG Expansion Proposal: In May, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) prepared a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed upgrade of KeySpan's liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Providence (Docket CP04-223-000). As required by the EIS process, FERC examined alternatives to the proposed expansion including: no action or postponed action, system alternatives, alternative LNG terminal sites, marine berthing alternatives, and pipeline system and route alternatives. FERC specifically looked at conservation via increased energy efficiency as a means of postponing expansion. However, FERC concluded, "neither conservation measures nor renewable energy sources are expected to replace or substantially offset the demand for additional natural gas supplies in the New England region." See the FERC Web site for more information.

Narragansett Electric Submits 2004 Annual Report: In May, the Narragansett Electric Company submitted its 2004 Demand Side Management Year-End Report to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The report highlights significant savings from DSM programs in 2004 including annual demand savings of 9,473 KW and annual energy savings of 51,397 MWh. The full report is available on the PUC Web site or by clicking here.

Vermont Pending Legislation: The House and Senate have agreed to a probable final version of Senate Bill 52, "Renewable Energy, Efficiency, Transmission, and Vermont's Energy Future." The bill, along with creating a renewable portfolio standard, would also remove the statutory limit on annual spending by the state's efficiency utility and would allow the Public Service Board to regulate how much the organization spends to increase efficiency. The measure also includes a least cost planning requirement and some ordered studies regarding a potential energy efficiency credits trading system. Finally, it requires the Department of Public Service to report back within a year the results of a study on creating a new "commercial building energy standard," or code, which calls for recommended "standards" on lighting; HVAC; building envelope; motors; transformers; controls; and water usage. For more information, read the full bill.

Energy Efficiency Utility Process Update: The Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) is accepting proposals by independent contractors to serve as Vermont's Energy Efficiency Utility (EEU) from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008. The current EEU, Efficiency Vermont, has served the state since the year 2000. The last day to submit proposals is June 15, 2005. To read the official Request for Proposals and for more information, please visit the PSB Web site.

Efficiency Vermont Releases Preliminary 2004 Annual Report: Efficiency Vermont has released its preliminary 2004 Annual Report, highlighting program accomplishments and impacts including: 58,000,000 kWh of annual electric energy savings, 9,000 kW reduction in summer peak capacity requirements and a 500,000 ton reduction in greenhouse gases. The Executive Summary is currently available on the Efficiency Vermont Web site. The final 2004 Annual Report will be released in September.

New Loan Program for Energy Efficiency Home Improvements: The Vermont non-profit organization Brattleboro Climate Protection, is partnering with Brattleboro Savings & Loan and Chittenden Bank to offer a pilot program through which homeowners can receive reduced-rate loans for investments in repairs and upgrades that increase energy efficiency or drop energy consumption. For more information contact Brattleboro Climate Protection at (802) 254-4541.

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An Update on Energy Efficiency Policies Across the Northeast Click here to read an update on NEEP's Regional Initiatives and Training and Education activities
REGIONAL	ACEEE Releases an Updated Analysis of Natural Gas Markets: In April, The American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy (ACEEE) released Impacts of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy on Natural Gas Markets: Updated and Expanded Analysis. The report updates ACEEE's seminal December 2003 analysis and highlights the impacts of expanded energy efficiency and renewable energy investments on natural gas prices. Read the full report.
	U.S. Mayors Endorse Action Against Warming: On June 13, 2005, the nation's mayors adopted a resolution entitled "Endorsing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement" at the 73rd Annual Conference of Mayors in Chicago. The resolution calls for the mayors to take actions in their operations and communities including increasing energy efficiency in order to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution. Read the full resolution.
	New Report Highlights Policy Options and Technologies for Global Climate Change: In June, the Pew Center on Global Climate Change released a report entitled U.S. Electric Power Sector and Climate Change Mitigation, identifying a number of technologies and policy options for achieving greenhouse gas reductions. These include establishing a firm regulatory timetable for reducing carbon emissions from the electricity industry such as a cap and trade system; and imposing stricter federal efficiency standards for appliances and buildings. Read the full report.
Connecticut	DPUC Investigates an Energy Efficiency Alternative Standard Offer for UI and CL&P: The Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) has opened docket 05-03-14 to investigate an Energy Efficiency Alternative Transitional Standard Offer (ATSO) for The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) and The United Illuminated Company (UI). Under the current Energy Efficiency Working Group's plan, CL&P and UI would conduct a joint competitive bidding process to select two ATSO suppliers who would offer to contract with UI and CL&P customers that choose to obtain energy efficiency services and/or products. The likely market for this offering is small to medium commercial and industrial customers but no customer class limits are proposed for the initial solicitation. For more information and to check the status of the docket, click here.
	DPUC Approves 2005 Conservation and Load Management Plan: The Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) filed a final decision on March 30, 2005 approving the 2005 Conservation and Load Management (C&LM) Plan for The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) and The United Illuminated Company (UI). The 2005 Plan has been affected by the impact of State legislation and diverts $1 million a monthly through July 2005 from the C&LM budget to the State of Connecticut's General Fund. The total 2005 C&LM budget for CL&P is $58,196,302 while UI's budget is $17,364,084. To read the full decision, click here.
	Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change Receives EPA Award: The Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change was named as one of the recipients of the 2005 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Annual Climate Protection Award this May. The award commends the Steering Committee for developing the Connecticut Climate Change Action Plan 2005 which includes 55 recommendations- including a number of efficiency measures- that when implemented will enable the state to meet its 2010 and 2020 goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Read the press release.
	Update on DPUC Gas Utility Supply Forecast Hearings: Over the past quarter, the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) has continued its review of the Connecticut Gas Utilities Forecast of Demand and Supply and Conservation 2005-2009 (Docket 04-10-02). As part of this review the DPUC is examining energy conservation issues to assess the potential for an energy efficiency effort by the state's three natural gas utilities. During the month of June new testimony in support of a program to fund natural gas conservation measures was submitted by The Connecticut Fund for the Environment and The Sierra Club. Additional information can be found at the DPUC Web site.
	Pending Legislation Would Protect CL&M Funds: House Bill 5567, "An Act Concerning the Conservation and Load Management Program Funds," passed the House Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee in April. This bill would ensure that the energy conservation and load management program funds are not diverted for any other purpose. Read the full bill.
	ECMB Releases Annual Report: The Energy Conservation Management Board (ECMB) submitted its 2004 Connecticut Energy Conservation Report to the legislature. The Report highlights the Conservation and Load Management Fund's accomplishments for the past year including: the reduction of 180,290 tons of carbon dioxide, annual energy savings of 291 million kWh and savings of $32 million in electric energy costs. Read the full report here.
	Senate Passes Energy Independence Bill: On June 28 the Connecticut Senate approved House Bill 7501, "An Act Concerning Energy Independence" during a special session and now awaits the Governor's signature. The Act will help address high energy prices and federally imposed congestion charges through creating specific quantifiable conservation and load management targets. The act also requires gas utilities to submit to the Department of Public Utility Control a gas conservation plan, (along with the company's five-year forecast) that would include specific quantifiable conservation and load management targets. Read the press release and the full bill.
Maine	Update on Gas Efficiency Bill: On May 13, 2005 bill LD 397, "An Act To Promote the More Efficient Use of Natural Gas," was signed by the Governor as Chapter 110 Public Law. The new law requires each natural gas utility that serves 5,000 or more residential consumers to offer cost-effective conservation programs designed to promote the efficient use of natural gas similar to programs offered in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Read the full text of the law here.
Massachusetts	Status of the 2005 Energy Efficiency Plans: The following efficiency program administrators have submitted their 2005 Electric Energy Efficiency Plans to the Division of Energy Resources (DOER): Massachusetts Electric/Nantucket Electric Company, NSTAR Electric and Cape Light Compact. Once approved by the DOER the Department of Telecommunications & Energy (DTE) will begin proceedings on these plans.
	Pending Legislation: Hearings were held earlier in June regarding several bills pertaining to energy efficiency within the Commonwealth. A number of these bills aim to increase energy efficiency such as: S.1793 calling for the promotion of energy efficiency in state government by requiring an energy audit and planning guidelines; H.3265 and H.3268, which both address home energy ratings and link them to state-sponsored mortgages; and H.3293, "An Act Relative to School and Library Buildings," which would define energy efficiency as including the use of "green technology." However, other bills could be damaging to efficiency efforts, including: H.3266, "An Act Relative to Energy Conservation Measures," that would change the definition of cost-effectiveness from that currently used by the Department of Telecommunications and Energy, effectively eliminating most of the energy efficiency programs currently serving the residents and businesses of the Commonwealth; and H.3279 that would provide for a 5 percent rebate to be paid for out of SBC funds on the purchase of Energy Star qualified clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators sold in the Commonwealth. To check the status of these bills, please visit the Massachusetts General Court's Web site. NEEP's testimony is also available for: House Bill 3279; House Bill 3266; Multiple bills considered by the Joint Committee.
New Hampshire	NH PUC Quarterly Report Available: The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) posted the state's Core Energy Efficiency Programs, First Quarter Results 2005. The report includes information on savings, expenses and budget details per activity from January 1 to March 31, 2005. The full report is available for viewing.
	Legislative Update: The New Hampshire House and Senate have passed House Bill 129, establishing a high performance school incentive. While the original amendment to the bill had threatened the state's System Benefits Charge (SBC), a new amendment by Sen. Iris Estabrook (D-Durham) requires electric utilities that collect funds for energy efficiency programs to include in their commission plans specific options to improve indoor air quality or energy efficiency while preserving funds. To check the status of this bill, please visit the New Hampshire General Court Web site.
New Jersey	Clean Energy Program Receives "Excellence" Award From EPA & DOE: New Jersey's Clean Energy Program received the Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Environmental Education Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The program was selected based on accomplishments such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing New Jersey electric customers with substantial savings through ENERGY STAR Homes, Residential Home Heating and Cooling Programs and the Customer-On-Site Renewable Energy rebates programs. Read the full press release.
	Clean Energy Program Submits Fourth Quarter Report for 2004: In May, the New Jersey Clean Energy Programs submitted their Fourth Quarter Report for the year 2004 to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The 2004 Annual Report is expected to be available on the Clean Energy Program's Web site next month.
New York	Governor Vetoes Budget Language: Gov. George Pataki recently vetoed language included in the New York State Legislature's budget amendment (Senate 3669; Assembly 6843) that would make the $150 million annual funding for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)-administered Energy $mart program subject to legislative appropriation. This language could still be re-instated by the Assembly and Senate until the end of the year.
	New Climate Change Legislation Introduced: In April, Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Momoroneck) introduced Senate Bill 3959, "An Act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to enacting the New York State Global Climate Change Reduction Act." If enacted the bill would declare the greenhouse effect to be a serious problem and call for reductions in the emission of various greenhouse gases. The full bill can be read here.
	PSC Conducts SBC Program Review: NEEP submitted comments in April to the Public Service Commission (PSC) as part of their ongoing review of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) System Benefits Charge (SBC) programs (Case 05-M-0090). NEEP recommended the continuation of the SBC program with an increase in funding levels; the creation of an SBC fund to establish and promote energy efficient gas programs; and to use SBC funds to promote energy efficiency as a cost-effective means to reduce CO2 emissions. Read NEEP's comments on this matter or access updates at the PSC Web site.
	NYPA Releases 2004 Annual Report: The New York Power Authority (NYPA) released its 2004 Annual Report in April. The report highlights NYPA's achievements in energy efficiency including saving taxpayers more than $90 million in annual energy costs and avoiding more than 660,000 tons of greenhouse-gas emissions a year. Read the press release and full report.
	Update on Con Edison Rate Plan: Last quarter the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a three year rate plan for Con Edison, which sets criteria for meeting the expected peak load growth through the expansion of energy efficiency and distributed generation programs via a partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). In conjunction with this rate plan, an Action Plan is expected to be submitted to the PSC in early July detailing how load growth will be met through System Benefits Charge (SBC) funded programs and through new demand side management programs to be administered by Con Edison and NYSERDA. To check on the status of this plan, please visit the PSC Web site.
Rhode Island	Stakeholders Win US EPA Climate Protection Award: The Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Stakeholders were named as one of the recipients of the 2005 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Annual Climate Protection Award this May. The award commends the Stakeholders for their work in reducing greenhouse gas emissions since 2001 and for developing a state climate action plan. Read the press release.
	Update on Providence LNG Expansion Proposal: In May, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) prepared a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed upgrade of KeySpan's liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Providence (Docket CP04-223-000). As required by the EIS process, FERC examined alternatives to the proposed expansion including: no action or postponed action, system alternatives, alternative LNG terminal sites, marine berthing alternatives, and pipeline system and route alternatives. FERC specifically looked at conservation via increased energy efficiency as a means of postponing expansion. However, FERC concluded, "neither conservation measures nor renewable energy sources are expected to replace or substantially offset the demand for additional natural gas supplies in the New England region." See the FERC Web site for more information.
	Narragansett Electric Submits 2004 Annual Report: In May, the Narragansett Electric Company submitted its 2004 Demand Side Management Year-End Report to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The report highlights significant savings from DSM programs in 2004 including annual demand savings of 9,473 KW and annual energy savings of 51,397 MWh. The full report is available on the PUC Web site or by clicking here.
Vermont	Pending Legislation: The House and Senate have agreed to a probable final version of Senate Bill 52, "Renewable Energy, Efficiency, Transmission, and Vermont's Energy Future." The bill, along with creating a renewable portfolio standard, would also remove the statutory limit on annual spending by the state's efficiency utility and would allow the Public Service Board to regulate how much the organization spends to increase efficiency. The measure also includes a least cost planning requirement and some ordered studies regarding a potential energy efficiency credits trading system. Finally, it requires the Department of Public Service to report back within a year the results of a study on creating a new "commercial building energy standard," or code, which calls for recommended "standards" on lighting; HVAC; building envelope; motors; transformers; controls; and water usage. For more information, read the full bill.
	Energy Efficiency Utility Process Update: The Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) is accepting proposals by independent contractors to serve as Vermont's Energy Efficiency Utility (EEU) from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008. The current EEU, Efficiency Vermont, has served the state since the year 2000. The last day to submit proposals is June 15, 2005. To read the official Request for Proposals and for more information, please visit the PSB Web site.
	Efficiency Vermont Releases Preliminary 2004 Annual Report: Efficiency Vermont has released its preliminary 2004 Annual Report, highlighting program accomplishments and impacts including: 58,000,000 kWh of annual electric energy savings, 9,000 kW reduction in summer peak capacity requirements and a 500,000 ton reduction in greenhouse gases. The Executive Summary is currently available on the Efficiency Vermont Web site. The final 2004 Annual Report will be released in September.
	New Loan Program for Energy Efficiency Home Improvements: The Vermont non-profit organization Brattleboro Climate Protection, is partnering with Brattleboro Savings & Loan and Chittenden Bank to offer a pilot program through which homeowners can receive reduced-rate loans for investments in repairs and upgrades that increase energy efficiency or drop energy consumption. For more information contact Brattleboro Climate Protection at (802) 254-4541.