Pa. governor reveals new energy plan
HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 2 (UPI) — Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell released his Energy Independence Strategy Thursday.
The goal, he said, would save consumers money, reduce Pennsylvania’s reliance on Gulf Coast imports, increase clean energy production capacity and create more jobs.
“This plan will cut Pennsylvanians’ energy bills by $10 billion over the next 10 years,” Rendell said. “It will give us the ability to produce enough homegrown fuel to replace every gallon Pennsylvania currently imports from the Persian Gulf.”
Smart meters and efficient appliance rebates would be implemented under the plan to help homeowners save money. One billion gallons of biofuel will be required by 2017 to replace imports. About $100 million in loans and grants will be made available for clean energy projects along with $500 million in development and equipment costs for specific economic development projects.
“Today we do not have the tools to cut our energy bills by shifting energy use to times when costs are lower. I want to help consumers save money through smart metering and time-of-day use structures,” Rendell said.
Funding for the initiative would come from a $0.0005 charge on each kilowatt hour of electricity used.