News Release

October 10, 2007

KCC to Establish Framework for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs in Kansas

The Kansas Corporation Commission today issued an order determining that the most appropriate and effective approach in the ongoing development of energy efficiency and conservation programs is through its continued promotion of collaborative efforts among utilities, consumers, and government programs in order to realize the economic and environmental benefits of these programs.

In its order, the Commission noted, "major electric utilities as well as state and local governments are in the process of developing energy efficiency programs individually and collectively. The Commission desires to continue working collaboratively with members of the utility community in furthering current and future such programs and to foster open and creative efforts in this area."

The Commission will open two concurrent general investigations to develop a policy framework for the review and evaluation of energy efficiency programs on a uniform and consistent basis and to further expedite the development of comprehensive energy efficiency and conservation programs.

The first investigation will address methods of evaluating the costs and benefits of specific programs to assure the programs are economically justified and can be monitored and evaluated to determine if the programs are producing the expected benefits. The target date for completion of this investigation is approximately six months.

The second investigation will address methods of recovery by the utilities of the costs of energy efficiency and conservation programs. This investigation is targeted for completion in approximately nine months.

The Commission believes that establishing a policy framework and encouraging collaborative efforts with utilities is the best way at this time to foster and advance energy efficiency and conservation programs and benefit the public.

Docket No. 07-GIMX-247-GIV