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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2025 - 2026
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 5, 2024 10:50 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Expanding the Use of Mechanical Insulation Under Act 129 |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation aimed at expanding the use of mechanical insulation in existing energy efficiency and conservation programs. Mechanical insulation is used to insulate equipment or processes, unlike building insulation, which is applied to walls and roofs. Insulating and jacketing specific mechanical systems can reduce energy use, lower energy costs, improve system performance, and provide additional safety benefits. Under Act 129 of 2008, electric distribution companies are required to implement an energy efficiency and conservation plan, which must be approved by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). As part of this process, the PUC approves cost-effective measures to reduce energy consumption. Mechanical insulation is currently recognized as an interim measure and is incorporated into the Technical Resource Manual (TRM). This legislation would build upon that framework by ensuring that all uses of mechanical insulation are eligible for inclusion in Act 129 programs. This change would eliminate the need to wait for the full reopening of the TRM and provide permanent assurance that mechanical insulation qualifies under Act 129. This legislation was previously introduced as Senate Bill 540 of 2023. Previous co-sponsors included Senators Boscola, Bartolotta, Tartaglione, Kane, L. Williams, Flynn, Robinson, and Farry. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |