DE HB179

Increases energy efficiency targets for electric providers from 2% to 15% of 2007 consumption and peak demand reduction to 15% by 2015, and for natural gas companies from 1% to 10% of 2007 consumption by 2015.

Allows electricity providers that achieve the 15% energy savings goal to count excess energy efficiency savings toward renewable energy portfolio standard requirements under § 352(6)(j).

Eliminates the energy efficiency surcharge and instead treats energy efficiency as a supply resource recovered through the same rate mechanisms as other energy resources, subject to Public Service Commission approval.

Establishes an advisory council to recommend cost-effective, reliable, and feasible energy efficiency, peak demand reduction, and fuel-switching programs on a three-year cycle, with affected energy providers developing corresponding implementation plans.

Requires the Secretary of DNREC to establish regulations by May 31, 2014 for measuring, verifying, and reporting energy savings, and synchronizes integrated resource planning cycles for regulated utilities with energy efficiency planning requirements.