Governor Rendell signs energy conservation bill

BETHLEHEM — As Milford residents have already endured, other Pennsylvania families and businesses are facing massive increases in electricity rates with the elimination of rate price caps in 2009. However, Governor Edward G. Rendell said they are now poised to save more than $500 million over the next five years - if they conserve power. On Oct. 15, Rendell signed a measure said to equip consumers with the tools they need to conserve electricity and to make more informed decisions about their energy use. Rendell said that while the bill will help consumers save money through conservation, more must be done to mitigate future rate increases. “I urge the legislature to make rate mitigation a top priority when it returns, so we can avoid this crushing blow to our economy and our citizens, and ensure that employers... can better anticipate what their electricity rates will be.” For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us and click on the “Fueling Energy Savings” icon.