AOBA Prevails as DC Denies PEPCO'S $6 Million Rate Increase
On Nov. 8, 2010, the DC Public Service Commission denied Pepco’s request for a $6 million rate increase to fund energy efficiency programs in FY 2011. Pepco had proposed to increase rates with October 2010 bills. AOBA opposed Pepco’s request because $6 million in ratepayer funded charges, previously dedicated to fund Pepco’s energy efficiency programs for FY 2011, was confiscated by the District government to reduce its budget shortfall. District ratepayers are currently paying for non-existent energy efficiency programs on their electric bills. While supporting energy efficiency, AOBA argued that its members - and ratepayers in general - should not have to pay twice for the same Pepco energy efficiency programs.
Utility Committee Meeting Focuses on Utility Rates for Budget Planning, Stormwater Management Issues
At an AOBA Utility Committee on Nov. 10, Bruce Oliver, President of Revilo Hill Associates, Inc., discussed developments in electricity and natural gas utility rates and supply. As Mr. Oliver explained, the cost of energy in the Washington area continues to rise from prior and planned utility rate cases by Dominion Virginia Power, Pepco and Washington Gas. Mr. Oliver’s presentation is available at www.aoba-metro.org, under the Utility Update button. Members and AOBA Alliance, Inc. participants may address specific questions to Mr. Oliver by contacting AOBA at 202.296.3390.
Increased water rates and environmental developments regarding storm water management in DC was addressed in a presentation by Nicola Whiteman, AOBA’s Vice President of Government Affairs – DC (also available at www.aoba-metro.org under Utility Update). Ms. Whiteman explained that increases to the stormwater fee and impervious surface area charge are being driven by compliance costs associated with mandatory federal environmental regulations imposed on DC Water and the DC Department of the Environment (DDOE). Ms Whiteman noted that we are awaiting the publication of draft regulations on cost saving credit adjustments that property owners could receive for water management programs including systems that are already in place. It is currently unclear whether the District will impose an arbitrary cap on the maximum allowable credit available for stormwater management practices, or if property owners will be able to receive a credit of up to 100%.
Montgomery County Hosts Dec. 13th Workshop on Pepco Energy Efficiency Incentives
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Rockville are hosting a two part workshop focused on energy-efficiency incentives for businesses and multi-family properties. Pepco consultants supporting the Pepco Commercial/Industrial Program will provide an overview of the incentives implemented under the Governor’s EmPower Maryland initiative.
The workshops will be held on Dec. 13th at the Glenview Mansion, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD. The program includes:
8:00 to 9:00 am - Participating in the Pepco C&I Energy Savings Program Trade Ally Network - Contractors, auditors, architects and others should attend this event to learn how to become part of the Trade Ally Network. Once approved by the Program, registered trade allies are listed in the Pepco directory and get an important business leg-up in delivering services under the program.
9:30 to 11:00 am – Receiving Cash Incentives for Energy-Efficiency Improvements – Learn how to access incentives that provide cash for businesses, multi-family and other organizations to make energy-efficiency improvements.
Space is limited, please RSVP to eric.coffman@montgomerycountymd.gov. More information on the Pepco C&I program is at https://cienergyefficiency.pepco.com/.
DC PEPCO Surcharge Rates Increase, Effective October 2010
With the DC Government’s passage of “The Residential Aid Discount Subsidy Stabilization Amendment Act of 2010,” in July, overall funding for the Energy Assistance Trust Fund (EATF) has been increased. As approved by the DC Public Service Commission on Sept. 20, 2010, effective with October 2010 electric bills, the total amount of the Residential Aid Discount (RAD) subsidy has increased from $550,000 to $5.75 million. The RAD program provides discounts on electricity bills for eligible residential low income customers. The following chart details surcharges resulting from the RAD program:
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