Bill would kill energy efficiency program

A bill passed in the Indiana House of Representatives Feb. 26 would bring Energize Indiana, an energy-saving organization, to an end. The House accepted the bill by a margin of 69-26.

The bill would make it impossible to “extend, renew or require the establishment of an
energy efficiency program” after Dec. 31, 2014.

Electricity customers would be allowed to opt out of participating in energy efficiency programs, according to the bill. In other words, electricity companies would not be allowed to charge consumers for energy efficiency program costs.

Among other services, Energizing Indiana offers home energy assessments for residences. The organization boasts being able to reduce energy bills, improve home performance, increase the residence’s value and improve air quality.

Energizing Indiana sends an energy auditor who installs energy-efficient shower heads, highly efficient light bulbs and implements other energy saving measures.

The bill also stipulates that the Utility Regulatory Commission, a fact-finding body part of the Indiana state government, ought to produce a status report on energy efficiency programs including Energize Indiana.

Energize Indiana is funded by small additions to electricity bills. Senate Bill 340 cites “lost revenues” and program costs as reasons for the organization’s inefficiency.

The Senate agreed Monday to accept amendments to the bill by a vote of 36-8.
Six energy companies are currently participants of the Energizing Indiana Program, including Duke Energy and other major suppliers, according to the organization’s website.

M.K Wildeman