Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Fund

Beginning in June 2008, Illinois's two electric utilities with more than 100,000 retail customers (Ameren and Commonwealth Edison) are required to implement energy efficiency and demand response programs that cost effectively reduce their delivery load. Much like the state renewable portfolio standard (RPS), the goals of the program will increase incrementally each year. Energy efficiency and demand response are treated as separate within the overall program. Energy efficiency refers to reductions in gross energy use (i.e., Megawatt-hours per year), while demand response refers to reductions in peak demand. Demand response measures do not necessarily result in overall energy use reductions. The annual incremental energy savings goals are as follows:0.2% year commencing June 2008 0.4% year commencing June 2009 0.6% year commencing June 2010 0.8% year commencing June 2011 1.0% year commcening June 2012 1.4% year commencing June 2013 1.8% year commencing June 20142.0% year commencing June 2015 The utilities will be permitted to recover all prudently incurred expenses for the measures adopted under the program. Program costs will be subject to certain annual limits (as covered below) although the utilities will be allowed compensation in the event that actual costs exceed the predetermined annual limits. All of the demand response programs will be administered by the utilities while 25% of the energy efficiency programs will be implemented by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).Find more information on ComEd's Commonwealth Edison Company’s Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Plan here.