TITLE 16.ECONOMIC REGULATION

Part 2. PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS

Chapter 25. SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO ELECTRIC SERVICE PROVIDERS

Subchapter H. ELECTRICAL PLANNING

2. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CUSTOMER-OWNED RESOURCES

16 TAC §25.181, §25.184

(Editor's Note: In accordance with Government Code, §2002.014, which permits the omission of material which is "cumbersome, expensive, or otherwise inexpedient," the figures in 16 TAC §25.184 are not included in the print version of the Texas Register. The figures are available in the on-line issue of the June 10, 2005, issue of the Texas Register.)

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (commission) proposes amendments to §25.181 and §25.184. Sections 25.181(e), (h), and (i) will expand the Load Management Standard Offer Program; §25.184(c) will add a Solar Water Heater Market Transformation Program to the Energy Efficiency Implementation Project; §25.184(d)(2) will update the stipulated values and measurement and verification procedures; and §25.184(d)(3) will update deemed savings lighting tables.

Theresa Gross, Retail Market Analyst, Electric Division, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Ms. Gross has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing these sections will be the following: the addition of a market transformation program for solar water heaters will allow utilities to operate programs to make this technology available to customers; expansion of the Load Management Program will reduce demand for electricity during peak consumption periods, resulting in improved reliability and lower costs for electricity; the deemed savings updates for the lighting tables will more accurately reflect current technology and the resulting energy savings; the inclusion of the measurement and verification procedures and stipulated values will facilitate measurement and verification of commercial and industrial energy efficiency programs.

There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing these sections. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with these sections as proposed.

Ms. Gross has also determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed sections are in effect there should be no effect on a local economy, and therefore no local employment impact statement is required under Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Texas Government Code §2001.022.

The commission staff will conduct a public hearing on this rulemaking, if requested pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, Texas Government Code §2001.029, at the commission's offices located in the William B. Travis Building, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701 on July 29, 2005. The request for a public hearing must be received within 30 days after publication.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to the Filing Clerk, Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711- 3326, within 30 days after publication. Sixteen copies of comments to the proposed amendments are required to be filed pursuant to §22.71(c) of this title. Reply comments may be submitted within 45 days after publication. Comments should be organized in a manner consistent with the organization of the proposed rule(s). The commission invites specific comments regarding the costs associated with, and benefits that will be gained by, implementation of the proposed sections. The commission will consider the costs and benefits in deciding whether to adopt the sections. All comments should refer to Project Number 30331.

These amendments are proposed under the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated §14.002 (Vernon 1998, Supplement 2005) (PURA), which provides the Public Utility Commission with the authority to make and enforce rules reasonably required in the exercise of its powers and jurisdiction; and specifically, PURA §39.905 which require(s) the commission to provide oversight and adopt rules and procedures, as necessary, to ensure that the goal for energy efficiency is achieved.

Cross Reference to Statutes: Public Utility Regulatory Act §39.905.

§25.181.Energy Efficiency Goal.

(a) - (d) (No change.)

(e) Cost-effectiveness standard.

(1) (No change.)

(2) Avoided cost. Incentives shall be set as a percentage of the avoided cost. The avoided cost shall be the estimated cost of a new gas turbine.

(A) - (B) (No change.)

[ (C) The commission may adjust the cost effectiveness standard prescribed in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph by using an environmental adder up to 20% for targeted projects conducted in an area that is not in attainment for air emission that is subject to the regulations of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The environmental adder is available only for targeted energy efficiency projects that would not be implemented without the adder. ]

(3) Incentive Levels

(A) The incentive levels for each customer class shall be a percentage of the avoided cost set forth in subsection (e) of this section. The incentive levels for individual programs shall be set by each utility subject to the incentive ceilings outlined below and other provisions of this section. Utilities may adjust incentive levels for individual programs during the program year, but such adjustments must be clearly publicized in the program application guidelines. Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) through (D) of this paragraph, incentive levels for standard offer programs may not exceed:

(i) 100% for hard-to-reach customers.

(ii) 50% for other residential and small commercial customers.

(iii) 35% for large commercial and industrial customers, except for load management programs which may not exceed 25%.

(B) The utility may apply an environmental adder of up to 20% above the cost effectiveness standard prescribed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph for targeted projects conducted in an area that is not in attainment for air emission that is subject to the regulations of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The environmental adder is available only for targeted energy efficiency projects that would not be implemented without the adder. Projects receiving incentives under subparagraphs (C) or (D) of this paragraph are not eligible to receive the environmental adder.

(C) For load management projects implemented in areas of transmission or distribution system constraints outside of the ERCOT power region, the utility may identify areas where transmission or distribution system enhancements could potentially be avoided or deferred or where congestion management costs could be reduced as a result of load management. The utility may increase the incentive for targeted load management projects in such areas. The increased incentive is available only for targeted load management projects that would not be implemented without the higher incentive. The incentive for load management programs targeted to transmission or distribution constrained areas shall not exceed:

(i) Large Commercial and Industrial projects: 35%.

(ii) Residential and Small Commercial projects: 55%.

(D) The ERCOT independent system operator on an annual basis shall identify areas where transmission system enhancements could potentially be avoided or deferred or where congestion management costs could be reduced as a result of load management. Such information shall be provided by ERCOT to the utility and to the commission by July 1 of each year for the following year. In addition, the utility may identify areas where distribution system enhancements could potentially be avoided or deferred as a result of load management. The utility may increase the incentive for targeted load management projects in such areas. The increased incentive is available only for targeted load management projects that would not be implemented without the higher incentive. The incentive for load management programs targeted to transmission or distribution constrained areas shall not exceed:

(i) Large Commercial and Industrial projects: 35%.

(ii) Residential and Small Commercial projects: 55%.

(f) - (g) (No change.)

(h) Energy efficiency plans.

(1) (No change.)

(2) Energy efficiency plan. Each electric utility's energy efficiency plan shall describe how the utility intends to achieve the legislative mandate and the requirements of this section. Beginning January 1, 2002, the plan shall be on a calendar year cycle and shall project at least a four-year period. The plan shall propose an annual budget sufficient to reach the 10% legislative goal by January 1, 2004, and annually thereafter. Each electric utility's energy efficiency plan shall include:

(A) - (E) (No change.)

[(F) The incentive levels for each customer class shall be a percentage of the avoided cost set forth in subsection (e) of this section. The incentive levels for individual programs shall be set by each utility subject to the incentive ceilings outlined below and other provisions of this section. Utilities may adjust incentive levels for individual programs during the program year, but such adjustments must be clearly publicized in the program application guidelines. Until the commission adopts different ceilings for incentive levels, incentive levels for standard offer programs may not exceed:]

[(i) 100% for hard-to-reach customers.]

[(ii) 50% for other residential and small commercial customers.]

[(iii) 35% for large commercial and industrial customers.]

[(iv) 15% for load management programs. ]

(F) [ (G) ] The proposed annual budget required to implement the utility's standard offer program, market transformation program, or both, broken out by program for each customer class, including hard-to-reach customers, and the amount for the small contractor set-aside pursuant to subsection (i)(4) of this section. The proposed budget should detail incentive payments, utility administrative costs, including the independent M&V expert, and the other administrative functions pursuant to subsection (i)(1) of this section, and the rationale and methodology used to estimate the proposed expenditures.

(G) [ (H) ] Savings achieved through programs for hard-to-reach customers shall be no less than 5.0% of the utility's total demand reduction goal.

(H) [ (I) ] Savings achieved through load management programs, including interruptible rates, may not exceed 30% [ 15% ] of the utility's total demand reduction goal.

(I) [ (J) ] A discussion of the types of informational activities the utility plans to use to encourage participation in standard offer programs or market transformation programs, including the manner in which utilities will use to post notice of standard offer programs, market transformation programs, and any other facts that may be considered when evaluating a project.

(3) - (4) (No change.)

(i) Utility administration. Utilities shall administer standard offer programs, market transformation programs, or both, to meet the requirements of the energy efficiency goal in PURA §39.905. The cost of administration may not exceed 10% of the total program costs.

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) The utility shall compensate energy efficiency service providers for energy efficiency projects in accordance with the contract and the requirements of this section. An individual energy efficiency service provider and its affiliates may not receive more than 20% of the total incentive payments available for a particular standard offer program, unless the program is not fully subscribed after 180 days, and the utility has demonstrated that it has performed adequate outreach. This requirement is not applicable to a load management program.

(4) - (8) (No change.)

(j) - (p) (No change.)

§25.184.Energy Efficiency Implementation Project.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Templates. This section includes the following program templates:

(1) - (12) (No change.)

(13) Solar Water Heater Market Transformation Program.

Figure: 16 TAC §25.184(c)(13) (.pdf)

(d) Deemed Savings Estimates. This section includes the following Deemed Savings Estimates:

(1) (No change.)

(2) Measurement and Verification Guidelines and Stipulated Values.

Figure: 16 TAC §25.184(d)(2) (.pdf)

[(2) Deemed Savings, Installation & Efficiency Standards: Commercial Cooling Equipment.]

[Figure: 16 TAC §25.184(d)(2)]

(3) Standard Fixture Wattages.

Figure: 16 TAC §25.184(d)(3) (.pdf)

[(3) Commercial Lighting Tables.]

[ Figure: 16 TAC §25.184(d)(3) ]

(e) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 25, 2005.

TRD-200502121

Adriana A. Gonzales

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 10, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7223


Part 4. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

Chapter 65. BOILER DIVISION

16 TAC §§65.20, 65.50, 65.60

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ("Department") proposes amendments to existing rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code, §§65.20, 65.50, and 65.60 regarding licensing, certification, registration, and reporting requirements in the boiler program and responsibilities of the department.

Currently, boiler inspections in Texas are performed either by the insurance company that insures the boiler, or by a Department inspector in the case of an uninsured boiler. No other entities are permitted to perform boiler inspections. The Department rule at 16 Texas Administrative Code §§65.20(a)(2) requires boilers to be inspected by the inspection agency "where the boiler is insured" and requires all uninsured boilers to be inspected by the Department. This rule effectively prohibits any private entity that is not an insurance company from becoming an authorized inspection agency.

The apparent rationale for the prohibition is that an insurer of the boiler has a vested financial interest in the boiler, and so the inspection is being performed by a person with a financial incentive to perform a thorough inspection. However, there is no requirement that a boiler be insured. Nor is there any requirement that an inspection agency insuring the boiler have a minimum dollar amount of liability. In practice, therefore, the entity performing the inspection may have little financial interest in the boiler.

The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI), which is a private association that promotes national codes and standards for boiler inspections and accredits authorized inspection agencies, has revised its standards to allow non-insurers to become authorized inspection agencies. See the NBBI document "NB-369." In light of the changes to the NBBI standards, the Department has reconsidered the prohibition on non-insurers performing boiler inspections. The Department has concluded that safety of boilers would not be compromised by allowing non-insurers to perform inspections because such inspection agencies would have to meet the same qualifications and be subject to the same standards as insurer inspection agencies.

In the Department’s opinion, the text of Chapter 755, Health and Safety Code does not require that authorized inspection agencies be insurers. Therefore, the Commission has the discretion to amend its rules to allow non-insurers to become authorized inspection agencies. The Board of Boiler Rules, which is an advisory body to the Commission, appointed a task force comprised of members of the boiler industry, including representatives of the insurance industry, owner/users, manufacturers of boilers, and Department inspectors to study the matter. The task force concluded that non-insurers should be allowed to become authorized inspection agencies and recommended the substance of these proposed amendments to the Board of Boiler Rules. The Board of Boiler Rules then approved the substance of the amendments.

The amendments in this proposed rulemaking would allow non-insurers to become authorized inspection agencies for boilers in Texas. These non-insurer inspection agencies would have to meet the same qualifications as traditional, insurer inspection agencies.

The amendments to §65.20 require that a boiler be inspected by the agency that has accepted responsibility for the inspection, rather than requiring inspection by the agency "where the boiler is insured." All other boilers would be inspected by the Department.

The amended language of §65.50 applies reporting requirements to non-insurer inspection agencies and consolidates language related to insurance risks.

The amendments to §65.60 remove references to insurance companies in the procedure for becoming an authorized inspector.

These rules are necessary to amend the boiler rules to allow non-insurers to become authorized inspection agencies, as recommended by the Board of Boiler Rules. The Department believes that restricting boiler inspections to insurance companies is no longer warranted and that the amended rules would promote the safety of boilers.

William H. Kuntz, Jr., Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments are in effect, there may be some additional cost to the State due to a possible increase in the number of boiler inspections performed by the Department. The amendments would remove the requirement for an insurer to perform the inspection of an insured boiler, so the Department would be responsible for performing the inspection if the insurer chose not to perform the inspection and an inspection agency did not take responsibility for the inspection. However, the number of such additional inspections, if any, is expected to be minimal, and any increased cost to the Department would not be significant. In addition, any increase in cost would be offset by increased revenue from inspection fees. There is no anticipated fiscal impact on local government.

Mr. Kuntz also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the amended rules are in effect, the public benefit will be increased safety of boilers. The amendments would allow more inspection agencies to enter the market, which should help to ensure that more boilers are inspected in a timely manner.

Mr. Kuntz has determined that there will be no adverse economic effect on small or micro-businesses as a result of the proposed amendments. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as amended.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to William H. Kuntz, Jr., Executive Director, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, or facsimile 512/475-3032, or electronically: whkuntz@license.state.tx.us. The deadline for comments is 30 days after publication in the Texas Register .

The amendments are proposed under Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 755 and Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 51, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules as necessary to implement this chapter and any other law establishing a program regulated by the Department.

The statutory provisions affected by the proposal are those set forth in Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 755 and Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 51. No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposal.

§65.20.Licensing/Certification/Registration Requirements.

(a) Inspection of all boilers.

(1) All boilers not exempted by the Texas Health and Safety Code Ann. §755.022 shall be inspected in accordance with the Texas Health and Safety Code Ann. §755.025 and/or §755.026, or with requirements specified under the applicable rules.

(2) Boilers shall be inspected by the inspection agency that has accepted responsibility for the inspection [ where the boiler is insured ]. All other [ uninsured ] boilers shall be inspected by the chief inspector or deputy inspector.

(b) - (i) (No change.)

§65.50.Reporting Requirements.

(a) Manufacturer's data reports. Manufacturer's data reports shall be filed by the manufacturer with the chief inspector and the National Board.

(b) Risks and Inspection Agreements [ --new, canceled, or suspended ].

[ (1) ] All inspection agencies shall notify the chief inspector, of all boiler risks or inspection agreements written, canceled, or not renewed within 30 days of the effective date. Immediate notification shall be made of all boiler risks rejected or suspended or inspection agreements cancelled or not renewed because of unsafe conditions. The inspection agency shall immediately notify the chief inspector and submit a report of the defects. Notification may be made electronically or manually using the format provided by the department. This notification shall list, by Texas boiler number, all objects affected by the notice.

[(2) If an authorized inspector, upon the first inspection of a new risk, finds conditions such that his inspection agency refuses insurance, the inspection agency shall immediately notify the chief inspector and submit a report of the defects.]

(c) - (h) (No change.)

§65.60.Responsibilities of the Department.

(a) Inspector's duties. Inspectors shall be regularly employed as an inspector and shall not engage in the sale of any article or device relating to boilers, pressure vessels, or other appurtenances.

(b) Commissions.

(1) Deputy inspectors.

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(2) Authorized inspector.

(A) Upon the request of an inspection agency [ a boiler insurance company ], authorized to do business in this state, a commission as an authorized inspector and an identifying commission card shall be issued by the executive director to an inspector in the employ of such inspection agency [ insurance company ] provided the inspector has successfully passed the examination as set forth in §65.20(g) of this title [ (relating to Licensing/Certification/Registration Requirements) ]. The identifying commission card shall be returned to the chief inspector when the inspector to whom the commission was issued is no longer in its employ. An inspector, commissioned as provided in this section, shall be entitled to another commission upon leaving the employ of one inspection agency [ insurance company authorized to insure boilers in this state ] and entering the employ of another such agency [ company ] without examination, provided the executive director is notified immediately of such reemployment and provided that a commission reinstatement fee and new application are submitted.

(B) - (F) (No change.)

(c) - (g) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2005.

TRD-200502141

William H. Kuntz, Jr.

Executive Director

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 10, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 463-7348