Energy Competition Warrants Heat Pump Promotion
Citing competition in residential energy markets, the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) has approved a new heat-pump rate discount and installation rebate program proposed by United Illuminating Co. (em but with an eye trained on market share.
The DPUC acknowledged a prior reluctance to approve tariffs that promote specific end uses, but found that competition justified new approaches. It also cited other positive factors, including: 1) the utility's long-term surplus capacity outlook, 2) its low marginal cost, and 3) heat pump efficiencies.