By OLGA KHAKOVA
Climate & Energy Project
Proposed legislation goes through an extensive process before becoming a law in Kansas. But one could argue that the true test of a bill’s enforcement is when someone utilizes the new legislation, probing its scope and definition. Through this process, the precedent is set for future interpretation of the bill by the legal system.
Why do I bring up this process? In 2014 the Kansas Energy Efficiency Investment Act (KEEIA) was passed. Through KEEIA, energy efficiency in Kansas can now be treated as a resources, similar to wind, coal, solar, hydro, nuclear, and natural gas. The utilities can now design cost recovery methods for energy efficiency investments. This year, Kansas City Power & Light is trailblazing the application of the act through a docket at the Kansas Corporation Commission. (Wait, why does the commission need to approve an existing law?- quick summary of KCC’s role in KS energy regulation).
This docket has significant implications for the future of energy efficiency in Kansas and your voice can help shape that future. If you want to have a “say” in how your energy is produced and utilized, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE to make sure KS gets a shot at energy efficiency benefits our neighboring states are already enjoying.
Energy Efficiency Benefits (derived from the Regulatory Assistance Project Report )
If you followed Climate + Energy Project for a while, you know that we are fueled by common ground solutions. In some cases it takes a lot of work to find the middle ground and mutual benefits, this is not one of those cases. Energy efficiency is the bridge between diverse and often opposing perspectives in the energy sector. No matter where and how the energy is produced – no one likes waste.
This docket is more than just a docket, it’s a chance for us to set precedent for valuing energy efficiency and incentivising our utilities to invest in this untapped and underutilized resource in Kansas.
What you can do
Sign up for CEP’s newsletter to receive updates on the docket.
Attend and/or host an Energy Efficiency Roundtable. (sign up here)
Send a letter or email, or call the commissioners directly to tell them that you support energy efficiency as the lowest cost resource for energy generation.
Comments received by September 7th will have the greatest impact. We strongly encourage you to submit by that point. However, the commission will accept your comments through November 1, 2016.
Let us help you:
Complete this form (www.tinyurl.com/KCPLEE) to submit comments through CEP
Or
Email: [email protected].
Mail: Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, 1500 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604
Call: 1-800-662-0027.
Comments should reference Docket No. 16-KCPE-446-TAR.
The Climate + Energy Project (CEP) is a non-partisan 501c(3) organization working to reduce emissions through greater energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. Located in Hutchinson, CEP collaborates with diverse partners across the nation to find practical solutions for a clean energy future that provides jobs, prosperity and energy security.