Gov. Rendell to PA Legis.: Don't Delay Energy Vote

WEST CHESTER, PA-- Governor Edward G. Rendell said July 2 that for half the price of one cup of coffee each month, Pennsylvania can protect its residents and companies from double- or triple-digit electric rate increases and build a stronger economy that is better able to meet its own energy needs. The Governor visited a convenience store in Chester County today and said that with such broad public support, the General Assembly should act now to pass his Energy Independence Strategy legislation. He was joined by House Democrats from southeastern Pennsylvania who echoed the Governor's call."Once electric rate caps come off statewide in less than three years, our families and businesses are going to see double- or triple-digit spikes in the price of electricity," said Governor Rendell. "I urge the General Assembly to act now so we can avoid this impending economic train wreck and create new economic opportunities for our people."The Energy Independence Strategy will help our families and businesses cut their electricity bills, conserve energy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and bring new economic development opportunities to the state. And all it will cost the average household is the price of about five cups of coffee a year."There's no conceivable reason to delay action on this legislation. A recent statewide poll by Susquehanna Polling and Research found that more than two-thirds of the public is willing to pay 45 cents per month to grow our economy while developing clean and renewable energy from home-grown sources."With such broad support, there's no reason not to act now," the Governor said. "This is too important an issue to ignore."In February, Governor Rendell announced his Energy Independence Strategy—a comprehensive plan designed to save consumers $10 billion in energy costs over the next 10 years, increase Pennsylvania's alternative and renewable energy production capacity, reduce the state's dependence on foreign fuels and create more jobs.Included in the strategy is an $850 million Energy Independence Fund that will be financed by a "systems benefits charge" on electric power consumers. Such a charge is already in place in 15 other states and Washington D.C. Pennsylvania's charge would be lower than all but two of these jurisdictions.The systems benefits charge is proposed at $0.0005 per kWh of electricity used, and would cost the average residential customer 45 cents per month, the average commercial customer about $3 per month and the average industrial customer $74 per month. For large industrial customers, the fee would be capped at a maximum of $10,000 per year.By contrast, the Energy Independence Strategy, as a whole, is expected to save consumers nearly 15 times more than the cost of this fee--$73 per year for the average residential customer, $425 for the average commercial customer and $10,500 for the average industrial customer.The $850 million fund will be used to provide consumers and small businesses with $244 million to help purchase and install state-of-the-art energy technology, such as solar power systems and high-efficiency refrigerators and room air conditioners. Customers who replace old, inefficient air conditioners and refrigerators or install solar panels on their homes or small business would qualify for rebates to help offset the cost. The strategy also would allow consumers to have smart meters installed in their home, providing a new tool to reduce energy spending. Smart meters enable customers to use less electricity during peak times -- when electricity is most expensive -- and can save customers up to 15 percent on annual electricity costs.The plan also would make more than $100 million available in the form of venture capital, loans and grants to help the state attract private sector investors and more clean energy economic development projects. Additionally, new state resources would target up to $500 million for infrastructure improvements, construction, early project development costs and equipment purchases for energy-related economic development projects, including solar manufacturing, advanced coal technologies, biofuels and energy conservation measures, including efficiency and energy demand management projects. For more information on the Energy Independence Strategy, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, and click on the "Fueling Energy Savings" icon.

Channel: News & Politics
Uploaded: November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am
Author: GovRendellPress

Length: 05:05
Rating: 3.88
Views: 1228

Tags: budget  Democrats  energy  Governor  Harrisburg  legislature  Pennsylvania  Rendell  Republicans  West_Chester  

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