968 Microgrid integrated technology pilot plan; prehearing conference

Microgrid Integrated Technology Pilot Plan; Prehearing Conference

[46 Pa.B. 2928]
[Saturday, June 4, 2016]

 P-2016-2546452. PECO Energy Company. Petition of PECO Energy Company (PECO) for: (1) approval of its Microgrid Integrated Technology Pilot Plan; and (2) issuance of a declaratory order regarding the recovery of microgrid costs.

 A-2016-2546450. Application for construction of microgrid distributed energy resources fueled by natural gas.

 PECO is taking major steps to advance the regional power grid and build a smarter energy infrastructure for its customers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As part of this effort, PECO has requested Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (Commission) approval to pilot an innovative microgrid in Concord Township, Delaware County. Microgrids are self-contained, small-scale power grids with dedicated, onsite distributed energy resources (DER) that can provide power to customers independently when needed (such as following a severe storm). PECO's microgrid will island and safely disconnect a section of the distribution system from the grid during emergency situations. While in island mode, the microgrid will continue to provide power to customers connected to the microgrid. When the grid is restored, the microgrid will reconnect to the distribution system. Accordingly, PECO is filing a petition and a related application seeking approval to implement PECO's Microgrid Integrated Technology Pilot (Pilot).

 As more fully explained in the filing, PECO is exploring emerging microgrid technology investment opportunities to enhance system reliability and resiliency. The microgrid will focus on improving the distribution system's ability to sustain and recover from adverse events, including severe weather, and on providing reliable access to essential services during power outages. To accomplish this, PECO will construct, own and operate the community microgrid. PECO also will share lessons learned from the Pilot to create a roadmap for the deployment of future microgrids and the integration of DERs that maximize public benefits.

 Formal protests and petitions to intervene must be filed in accordance with 52 Pa. Code (relating to public utilities). Filings must be made with the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, 400 North Street, Second Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120, with a copy served on Administrative Law Judge Eranda Vero, Administrative Law Judge Cynthia W. Fordham and PECO, on or before June 20, 2016. The documents filed in support of the petition are available for inspection and copying at the Secretary's Bureau of the Commission from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can also be reviewed at the Commission's web site at www.puc.pa.gov or at the petitioner's business address.

 Petitioner/Applicant: PECO Energy Company

 Through and By Counsel: Thomas P. Gadsden, Kenneth M. Kulak, Brooke E. McGlinn, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP, 1701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2921; and Romulo L. Diaz, Jr. and Michael S. Swerling, PECO Energy Company, 2301 Market Street, P.O. Box 8699, Philadelphia, PA 19101-8699

Petition and Application of PECO Energy Company

 PECO is filing a petition and a related application as the basis for a Pilot for which PECO will construct, own and operate a community microgrid in its service territory.

Initial Call-In Telephonic Prehearing Conference

 A prehearing conference by telephone on the previously-captioned case will be held as follows:

Date:	Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Time:	2 p.m.
Location Philadelphia Parties:	In an available 4th Floor Hearing Room (take one of the last four elevators at the  far end of the lobby) 801 Market Street (enter on 8th Street) Philadelphia, PA 19107
Location: Harrisburg Parties:	Hearing Room 4 Plaza Level Commonwealth Keystone Building 400 North Street Harrisburg, PA
Presiding:	Administrative Law Judge Eranda Vero Administrative Law Judge Cynthia W.  Fordham Suite 4063 801 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 [phone] Fax: [phone]

 At the previously listed date and time, individuals must call into the prehearing conference. Individuals will not be called by the Administrative Law Judge.

 To participate in the hearing, individuals must:

 • Dial the toll-free number.

 • Enter the following PIN number when instructed to do so.

 • Speak the individual's name when prompted.

 The telephone system will connect callers to the hearing.

Toll-free bridge number:	[phone]
PIN number:	846648

 Individuals representing themselves are not required to be represented by an attorney. All others (corporation, partnership, association, trust or governmental agency or subdivision) must be represented by an attorney. Representing attorneys should file a Notice of Appearance before the scheduled hearing date.

 Persons with a disability who wish to attend the hearing should contact the Commision to make arrangements for their special needs. Call the scheduling office at the Commission at least 5 business days prior to the hearing to submit a request.

 For persons who require an interpreter to participate in the hearings, the Commission will make every reasonable effort to have an interpreter present. Call the scheduling office at the Commission at least 10 business days prior to the hearing to submit a request.

 • Scheduling Office: [phone]

 • Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service number for persons who are deaf or hearing-impaired: [phone]

ROSEMARY CHIAVETTA, 
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 16-968. Filed for public inspection June 3, 2016, 9:00 a.m.]