PR Development: Regulation for Energy Efficiency and Demand Response

NOTICE TO CLIENTS AND FRIENDS

On September 5, 2019, the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (the “Bureau”), announced the adoption of the Regulation for Energy Efficiency and Demand Response, pursuant to the Puerto Rico Energy Public Policy Act, the Puerto Rico Energy Transformation and RELIEF Act, and the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act of the Government of Puerto Rico Act (the “Proposed Regulation”).

As per the Bureau, the Proposed Regulation is designed to ensure that Puerto Rico reaches the goal of thirty percent (30%) of energy efficiency by the year 2040. The Proposed Regulation establishes that a third-party administrator experienced in the design and implementation of energy efficiency programs shall oversee such programs, which will be available to all customer classes, including municipalities. Additionally, the Proposed Regulation will address the development of energy demand response programs. As per the Bureau, these programs will provide customers the opportunity to reduce their peak demand and thus, reduce their overall energy costs by allowing a third party to control their energy usage, in coordination with the utility, and/or simply learning to manage their energy usage.

The deadline for public comments is October 7, 2019, while the deadline to reply to public comments is October 17, 2019. The Bureau will hold a public hearing on October 8, 2019, at 10:00 am during which the public will have an opportunity to share their comments on the proposal. This hearing will take place at the Bureau Hearing Room, locates in the eighth floor of the World Plaza Building, 268 Ave. Muñoz Rivera, Hato Rey, PR.

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This document has been prepared for information purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Should you have any questions about the matters hereby discussed, wish to obtain more information on their potential impacts on policy or operational matters, or need assistance to participate in the commenting process, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.