Demand-Side Planning in Texas-Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Section 23.22 of the Substantive Rules of the Public Utility Commission of Texas requires that generating utilities and utilities with more than 20,000 customers file energy efficiency plans. The plans identify and evaluate supply-side and demand-side alternatives to new power plant construction. Filed every two years, the plans are to be coordinated with the utility’s load forecast and are formally reviewed for rate cases, notices of intent for new construction, and avoided cost proceedings. Electric utilities covered by the rules were required to submit plans at the end of 1984 and 1985; the next plan will be due at the end of 1987. This paper summarizes the Commission’s requirements for conservation and load management planning and assesses the progress that utilities have made in fulfilling the intent of the rules. Deficiencies in the plans are assessed and future directions for the plans are discussed.