Tennessee Valley Authority
TVA Seeks Public Comment on PURPA Standards
July 6, 2009
TVA is seeking public comment on four new energy efficiency, rate design and smart grid standards.
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which amended the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, requires TVA, as a non-regulated utility and as the PURPA-designated regulatory authority for distributors of TVA power, to consider adopting the four new standards.
Congress originally enacted PURPA to promote conservation of energy, efficient use of facilities and resources and equitable rates to customers. The four standards are being considered in that context.
The four standards address the integration of energy efficiency resources in planning for the Valley’s future energy needs, the structure of rates paid by Valley consumers to encourage energy efficiency, investments in smart grid technology and advanced smart grid equipment, and the communication of information about electric power sources, electric usage, costs and pricing to electric consumers.
More information about the four standards is available on TVA’s web site at www.tva.com/purpa.
Under PURPA as amended, TVA may choose whether or not to implement the standards or to implement them in different ways depending on its goals and the circumstances. TVA staff has published preliminary recommendations on the four PURPA standards. The TVA report is available at www.tva.com/purpa.
The TVA Board will make final determinations on the suitability of each of the new standards for TVA and distributors of TVA power. Public input on the standards is encouraged and will become part of the official record, which the Board will review and consider in making the required determinations.
TVA followed a similar process in the late 1970s, early 1980s, and 2007 when it considered other PURPA standards. Comments may be submitted in writing on line or mailed to Veenita Bisaria at Tennessee Valley Authority, WT-3D, 400 W. Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37902. Comments must be submitted by July 27, 2009.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financed. TVA provides power directly to 60 large industries and federal installations and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 8.8 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood control, navigation, water quality and recreation.
Media Contact
Jim Allen, Knoxville, (865) 632-7453
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000