Press Release

Press Release: Better Energy Efficiency Plans for Dayton Power & Light Customers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2012

Dayton Power & Light Energy Efficiency Plan Settled

Customers to Save Millions, Energy Waste to Be Slashed

COLUMBUS – Dayton Power & Light (DP&L) customers will be able to cut their energy use and save money under a new three-year energy efficiency plan filed late Wednesday with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).

Under the plan, which runs from 2013 – 2015, energy use will be cut by more than 469 million kilowatt hours. That means enough energy will have been saved to power more than 49,000 Ohio homes for a year. The reductions in wasted energy will save DP&L customers $44.5 million over the life of the plan.

“This plan is a clear example of how smart energy efficiency programs can save customers money, and reduce the need for polluting fuel sources,” said Nick McDaniel, staff attorney with Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC).

Through the plan, DP&L will offer a range of programs for residential and commercial customers. For example, residential customers will receive rebates when they install energy efficient heating and cooling systems and increased savings through a number of new measures including discounts on the new generation of LED lighting.  Additional programs will cut the cost of weatherization of low income homes. Commercial customers will be offered programs that reduce the cost of energy smart lighting, heating and cooling systems, and give incentives for combined heat and power systems.

“Once these low-energy technologies are installed in businesses and homes, customers see immediate savings on their energy bills,” McDaniel said. “These programs add up and provide a platform on which DP&L customers can really take a bite out of wasted energy.”

DP&L has about 500,000 customers across their 6,000 square mile service territory.

Ohio law requires utilities to offer energy efficiency plans that cut energy use and save customers money. These three-year plans are filed with the PUCO, where the public can comment on the plans. Environmental Law & Policy Center worked with partners and DP&L to identify cost-effective ways to strengthen the draft plan presented earlier this year.  These plans have been under fire from FirstEnergy and from a Senate Bill 58 introduced by State Senator Bill Seitz late last month, which would significantly limit the benefits from energy efficiency, while adding costs for utility customers across the state.

“Ohio is at an energy efficiency crossroads,” said Rob Kelter, senior attorney with ELPC. “One path cuts wasted energy, saves customers money and grows jobs in energy efficiency. The other path reverses the trend and gives a big time handout to utilities like FirstEnergy.”

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