95- 648 C.M.R. ch. 380, § 3

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 648-380-3 - CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

A.Criteria for Conservation Programs

1. The Commission shall consider, without limitation, conservation programs that:

(a) Increase consumer awareness of cost-effective options for conserving energy;

(b) Create more favorable market conditions for the increased use of efficient products and services; and

(c) Promote sustainable economic development and reduced environmental damage.

2. The Commission shall:

(a) Target at least 20% of available funds to programs for low-income residential consumers, as defined by the Commission by rule;

(b) Target at least 20% of available funds to programs for small business consumers, as defined by the Commission by rule; and

(c) To the greatest extent practicable, apportion remaining available funds among customer groups and geographic areas in a manner that allows all othercustomers to have a reasonable opportunity to participate in one or more conservation programs.

3. Programs shall be cost effective. Cost effectiveness tests are established in Section 4.

B.Goals, Objectives, and Strategies

1. The Commission shall establish goals, objectives, and strategies by order before the Commission adopts its first conservation programs pursuant to this subsection.

2. The Commission shall open a docket and issue a Proposed Order establishing goals, objectives, and strategies. All interested persons will be invited to file written comments and suggestions pertaining to the Commission's Proposed Order. The Commission also will hold a public hearing for the purpose of receiving comments and suggestions. After reviewing the written and oral comments and suggestions, the Commission will adopt goals, objectives and strategies for conservation programs.

3. No less frequently than every three years, the Commission will review and, if necessary, revise the goals, objectives, and strategies. For each review and revision, the Commission will follow the process described in section 3(B)(2).

C.Conservation Program Portfolio Requirements. The Commission shall develop and implement a portfolio of conservation programs that is consistent with the goals, objectives and strategies described in subsection 3(B), meets the cost effectiveness requirements established in section 4, and is deliverable within the funding level established pursuant to section 5. When developing its portfolio of conservation programs, the Commission shall consider the likely impact of the programs on utilities' rates.

95- 648 C.M.R. ch. 380, § 3