§8279 National Action Plan for Demand Response

Summary

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) must do a nationwide study of demand response and send a report to Congress within 18 months of December 19, 2007. The report must estimate the nation’s demand response potential at 5 and 10 years, give state-by-state numbers and a way to update them yearly, say how much can realistically be achieved in those time frames, and offer specific policy ideas (including funding or incentives) to reach those levels. FERC must also point out barriers to programs being open, non-discriminatory, and fairly paid, suggest how to fix those barriers, and use existing research so work is not duplicated. Within one year after finishing that study, FERC must make a National Action Plan on Demand Response with input from industry, state regulators, and other groups, seeking agreement when possible and deciding where needed. The plan must cover what technical help states need, a national customer education and outreach program, and tools like analyses, model rules, and sample contracts. After the plan is published with any comments, FERC and the Secretary of Energy must send Congress, six months later, a proposal to carry out the plan that lists responsibilities, proposed budgets, and any participation agreements. Up to $10,000,000 is authorized for FERC for each of fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010 to do this work.