For further information, contact:
Technical: Martin Kushler, Ph.D.,
ACEEE, (517) 655-7037
Press copies: Glee Murray
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2001
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A new study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient
Economy (ACEEE) indicates that the state movement toward electric
restructuring has largely stalled. The current count of 24 states
that have passed restructuring legislation is essentially the same
as it was this time last year. This halt is largely attributable
to the negative results experienced in the wake of deregulation
in California. The ACEEE report, A Revised
50-State Status Report on Electric Restructuring and Public Benefits,
reviews the status of electric restructuring in all fifty states
and the District of Columbia.
On the other hand, the study found that the "public benefits" policies (e.g.,
programs for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and low-income customer
assistance) passed as a part of restructuring in many states are going strong.
Indeed, key states such as California and New York have recently increased
and extended their support for public benefits programs. Overall, a total
of 19 states have passed specific public benefits policies to fund energy
efficiency programs, with annual budgets totaling over $800 million.
"It appears that the public benefits policies, such as those supporting energy
efficiency, are the single most popular aspect of electric restructuring,"
commented Dr. Martin Kushler, Director of the Utilities Program at ACEEE.
"State policymakers are increasingly recognizing the potential for energy
efficiency to lower customer energy bills, improve electric system reliability,
and help hold down market prices for electricity."
The ACEEE study should serve well as a handy reference guide for those interested
in state electric restructuring and public benefits issues. The report contains
a concise summary of state policy activity regarding electric restructuring,
and for those states that have restructured, a summary of activity in the
public benefits categories of research and development, energy efficiency,
direct renewable energy funding, renewable portfolio standards, low-income
programs, and environmental disclosure. That information is followed by an
appendix that provides a detailed state-by-state description of the status
and background of electric restructuring for each of the states. Those state
summaries also describe the scope, funding, administration, and duration
of any public benefits programs, as well as other public benefits-related
policies such as renewable portfolio standards and environmental disclosure
requirements.
To view the Summary Table of Public Benefit Programs and Electric Utility
Restructuring, click here.
