The Governor signed SB654/AB804 into law March 31 which clarifies that investor-owned utility contributions to Focus on Energy will be 1.2% of “operating revenues derived from retail sales.” By excluding operating revenues derived from wholesale sales, utility contributions to Focus on Energy will be reduced by about $7 Million/year. Focus on Energy staff is assessing the ramifications of the funding cut and seeks to minimize impacts on existing program offerings. They do not anticipate significant changes to any one specific program as a result of this legislation.
The latest independent evaluation report of Focus on Energy indicates that $3.33 in energy-related benefits are delivered for every $1.00 invested in the program. When economic benefits like job creation are considered, Focus on Energy delivers $6.66 in benefits for every $1.00 invested. Also see Industry Comes up short in resistance to Focus on Energy Bill and WPR