The request, subject to regulatory approval, would implement new energy efficiency programs for customers in 2014. By helping customers use energy more efficiently, Empire can more effectively manage energy demand, keep long-term costs more affordable, support environmental initiatives, and defer the construction of new power plants.
The request also includes a Demand-Side Program Investment Mechanism (DSIM) that will be added to monthly Empire bills if the new programs are approved for implementation. The DSIM recovers the cost associated with the new programs and establishes a benefit-sharing mechanism enabling the customer and the Company to benefit from demand-side program savings.
If approved, the new efficiency program spending levels would result in a DSIM charge of about $1.85 per month, or approximately a 1.46% increase, for a Missouri residential customer using 1,000kWh per month. The DSIM charge will appear as a separate line-item on customers’ bills and be based on the number of kWh used each month.
Under Empire’s proposal, the DSIM rate will be reviewed and adjusted by the commission annually to account for any changes in the actual cost of the energy efficiency programs.
