|
Sawnee
Electric Membership Corporation to
Hold PURPA Hearing
Energy prices in the United States have been on everyone’s mind in the last several years. Whether it is gasoline, oil, coal or natural gas, prices of all forms of energy are approaching record levels that have not been seen since the 1970s. Given that, it seems only appropriate that something created in 1978 to promote energy conservation and efficiency has been revisited. That something is called “PURPA”. “PURPA” stands for the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, which has recently been amended by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (“Acts”). These “Acts” sound rather complex and formal, but do not be alarmed. They simply contain language that requires certain electric utilities across the nation, as well as here in Georgia, to evaluate and to consider alternative approaches, or “standards”, in specific areas. Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation (Sawnee EMC), for example, is required by the Acts to consider four (4) standards, which pertain to: (1) retail rate design, (2) integrated resource planning, (3) smart grid information, and, under certain circumstances, (4) the recovery, use and prevention of industrial waste energy. In considering whether to implement these new standards, covered utilities must decide if such implementation would encourage Americans to conserve energy, optimize the efficiency of electric facilities and resources, and promote equitable rates for electric consumers. As required under PURPA, Sawnee EMC will be holding a hearing scheduled for January 20, 2009 to facilitate the consideration of the “integrated resource planning”, “rate design modifications”, and “smart grid information” standards. Those wishing to learn more about the process, to participate in the process in a formal manner, or even to just voice an opinion on the “integrated resource planning”, “rate design modifications”, and “smart grid information” standards, should contact Sawnee’s PURPA Officer, Ryan Satterfield at (678) 455-1583 or email him at ryan.satterfield@sawnee.com. Alternatively, if you are too busy to call or email, you may also visit Sawnee’s website at www.sawnee.com/purpa and read all about these activities. As a member-owned cooperative, Sawnee EMC remains dedicated to its member-consumers to deliver high quality, dependable and cost-effective electric energy. About Sawnee EMC: Sawnee EMC is a distribution electric cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to over 148,000 accounts in greater north Georgia through a network of over 9,700 miles of distribution facilities that is operated by more than 295 dedicated employees. Sawnee EMC has assets valued in excess of $470 million and, for 2008, Sawnee is projected to have annual energy sales of 3.16 billion kWh, and revenue of $299 million.
|