Inside Harrisburg

by State Rep. Dan Frankel

Working to reduce dependence on foreign oil, boost Pa. economy

            As the General Assembly and Gov. Rendell have been working on the state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, I continue to support efforts to invest in the governor's energy independence strategy to improve Pennsylvania's environment and economy. These investments would also help us to gain greater independence from often unstable sources of energy overseas.

            The Energy Independence Strategy is an ambitious plan that gives us an opportunity to expand upon the successful marriage between environmental protection and economic development. It would enhance our reputation as a national energy leader, and it would elevate Pennsylvania to the top tier of states taking steps to cut energy costs and significantly expand fuel alternatives. That would be a major boost for our economy.

            This plan is designed to help with the challenges people and businesses face every day, and it would provide tools to increase energy efficiency and lower bills, including:

• Requiring utilities to make strides toward equipping consumers with “smart meters,” technology that encourages people to reduce demand at peak hours, thus lessening the need for power plants – particularly ones that are only called into service during extremely hot or cold weather.

• Providing rebates to replace old, inefficient air conditioners and refrigerators -- two of the biggest energy-using appliances in the home -- with new models that use at least 15 percent less energy. Replacing a 10- to 20-year-old refrigerator with a new “Energy Star”-certified model can save up to $110 per year.

• Creating a “Pennsylvania Sunshine” program to help pay for up to 50 percent of the cost of installing solar panels on homes or small businesses. At current electricity rates, the average household could save about $600 a year with solar panels that generate about two-thirds of the electricity consumed in the home.

• Allowing businesses to enter into long-term contracts with energy providers that offer cheaper and more stable rates.

These are a few of the common-sense initiatives in the Energy Independence Strategy legislation that I am supporting. I will continue working to improve our economy and our environment.

            Constituents in the 23rd Legislative District with state-related concerns or questions may call Representative Dan Frankel’s office at 412-422-1774 or visit the office at 4225 Murray Ave. His Web site is www.pahouse.com/Frankel.

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