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Energy Efficiency Recommendations Do Not Include Mandates

Armistead Booker
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/armisteadbooker/

Consumer advocates groups say they are disappointed the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission didn’t include any mandated energy savings goals in its recommendation to the governor.

The recommendations come after the legislature eliminated the state’s energy efficiency program.

Governor Mike Pence in March asked the IURC to deliver recommendations for a framework lawmakers could use next session to develop a new energy efficiency program.

Citizens Action Coalition executive director Kerwin Olson says he was hoping the IURC would deliver a concrete policy that would force legislators into action.

“But what it appears they have done is pretty much present nothing to the legislature with any specificity about what policy should look like and instead continue to allow the utilities to self-impose voluntary goals, which we know led to inadequate programs previously,” he says.

The IURC recommends enacting a law that requires utilities to develop Integrated Resource Plans, or IRPs.

IRPs are used to assess energy needs in the short and long term.

IRPs are already required by IURC rules; the Commission is asking the legislature to require IRPs by statute, and for the plans to include energy efficiency goals.

In a statement, Pence thanked the IURC for its “careful deliberation and thoughtful consideration.” He says he looks forward to working with the General Assembly to create a new program.

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.
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