Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011
IPL recently signed on to a letter commending the work of Senator Shaheen and Senator Portman for their work on the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 1011. This bipartisan legislation, which has been introduced in the U.S. Senate, is a national strategy for increasing energy efficiency while saving businesses and consumers money, making America more energy independent, reducing emissions, stimulating the economy, and creating jobs. We strongly support this bill, as it furthers transition to a more energy efficient economy.
Inclining Block Rate
Right now, throughout most of Virginia, the more electricity you use the less you pay, rewarding larger consumers. This is called a Declining Block Rate. By incentivizing greater efficiency through adopting an Inclining Block rate pricing strategy, Virginia can take a small but significant step forward in becoming a leader in energy production.
An Inclining Block Rate is a common sense pricing strategy that rewards energy conservation with lower cost to utility customers.
National Environmental Standards
During the 2011 General Assembly two bills were introduced and defeated that were aimed at exempting Virginia from national environment protection standards and programs aimed at protecting Virginians’ health, safety, and environment. HB 1397 and 1398 together would have kept Virginia from enforcing important federal “cap and trade” and climate change legislation.
We expect efforts to pass similar legislation will continue.