PURPA EISA FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why did Blue Ridge Electric publish a Notice to Consider PURPA Standards?
Blue Ridge Electric is required by federal law to consider four new ratemaking standards that deal with energy efficiency and smart grid resources and investments.
Am I required to respond to the Notice to Consider PURPA Standards or to participate in the proceeding?
No, Blue Ridge Electric members are not required to respond to the notice or participate in the proceedings. Participating in the proceedings is optional. You may choose to participate if you have information or comments that you would like the Blue Ridge Electric to consider before a final decision is made on the standards.
If I have a complaint about my electric bill, should I participate in this proceeding?
No, this proceeding will not address individual complaints about a Blue Ridge Electric member’s electric bill. You should contact your local Blue Ridge Electric district office with any bill complaints or concerns.
What does “PURPA” mean?
“PURPA” is an acronym that refers to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act. Originally enacted in 1978, this Act is a federal law intended to address national energy issues through programs that encourage conservation and efficiency while maintaining equitable rates. Congress has amended PURPA several times since 1978, and most recently through the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007.
What is the purpose of this federal law?
Congress enacted PURPA to encourage: 1) conservation of the electric energy supplied by utilities; 2) the efficient use of electric utility facilities and resources and 3) equitable rates for electric consumers.
What does “EISA” mean?
“EISA” is an acronym that refers to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This Act added four new ratemaking standards to PURPA, and large regulated and non-regulated electric utilities (including electric cooperatives like Blue Ridge Electric) are required to make a decision about those new standards.
What ratemaking standards must my Blue Ridge Electric consider?
Federal law requires Blue Ridge Electric to consider standards for:
1) Integrated Resource Planning to Promote Energy Efficiency
2) Rate Design Modification to Promote Energy Efficiency Investments
3) Smart Grid Investments
4) Smart Grid Information
What does “Integrated Resource Planning to Promote Energy Efficiency” mean?
The term “Integrated Resource Planning” (IRP), broadly defined, refers to a comprehensive planning process intended to systematically consider appropriate supply and demand resources under a utility’s control to meet current and future load requirements. The term “energy efficiency” generally refers to efforts that allow consumers to use less energy without altering their behavior through, for example, increasing the use of new technologies or replacing old energy-consuming devices with newer, more efficient versions.
What does “Rate Design Modification to Promote Energy Efficiency Investments” refer to?
Standard ratemaking practices may not encourage, or could even discourage, utilities from adopting energy conservation measures. This standard directs utilities to look at specific utility incentives that influence the adoption of or investment in energy efficiency.
What does “Smart Grid Investments” refer to?
“Smart Grid Investments” are advanced technologies deployed in the electric system, including Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and distribution automation. Even though the provision in EISA requires States to consider this standard, Blue Ridge Electric has decided to further examine and consider the standard since the cooperative is currently deploying an AMI system.
What does “Smart Grid Information” refer to?
“Smart Grid information” refers to data made available by implementing smart grid investments. This standard is intended to require that electricity purchasers be provided with direct access to information concerning pricing, usage, intervals, and sources (including generation type and greenhouse gas emissions), either in writing or in electronic form.
Could my electric rates change as a result of this project?
In this proceeding, the board must determine, in part, whether implementing the standards will encourage equitable rates for Blue Ridge Electric members. If the board decides to implement one or more of the ratemaking standards, it is possible that such a decision might change the rates Blue Ridge Electric members pay for electricity.
Who decides whether the Blue Ridge Electric will implement the new ratemaking standards?
The Blue Ridge Electric’s board of directors will make the final decision.
What process will the board use to make its decision?
The Board Resolution regarding Consideration of the PURPA Standards describes the process that will be followed to reach a final decision. The resolution can be found on the Blue Ridge Electric’s website. The board has set up an uncontested process called a “rulemaking proceeding” in which those interested in the proceeding submit written comments and attend a public hearing to discuss the standards.
Who may participate in the proceeding?
All members of Blue Ridge Electric have a right to participate in the proceeding. Members of the public who are not members of the Blue Ridge Electric may also submit comments.
If I want to participate and submit comments, what should I do?
Persons interested in the participating in the proceeding are invited to notify the Blue Ridge Electric of their intent to participate and to submit comments, data, views, arguments, and other evidence on the standards being considered. Responses and any comments, data, views, arguments, and other evidence must include the person’s name, contact information, and relationship to the Blue Ridge Electric, and be submitted in writing or orally at the public hearing to Blue Ridge Electric, Attn: Brian Crutchfield, Director of Sustainable Development, P.O. Box 112, Lenoir, NC 28645-0112 or by e-mail at bcrutchfield@blueridgeemc.com. The comments do not need to be in any particular format.
Is there a deadline to submit written comments on the standards?
Yes, the deadline to submit written comments on the standards is March 3, 2009.
If I want to participate in the hearing, do I need to hire a lawyer?
It is not necessary to hire a lawyer to participate in this hearing. Although this is a regulatory proceeding, the Blue Ridge Electric’s board of directors designed this process so that Blue Ridge Electric members could participate in it easily by submitting comments and questions in writing and orally at the public hearing.
When will the public hearing be held?
The public hearing will be held March 3, 2009 from 4 PM - 7 PM at the Blue Ridge Electric corporate offices in Lenoir, NC. Blue Ridge Electric will send all interested participants notice of the hearing as well as posting the hearing notice on the Blue Ridge Electric web site.
Is Blue Ridge Electric required to implement the new ratemaking standards?
No. Federal law only requires the Blue Ridge Electric to consider and determine whether to implement the standards.
