HARRISBURG, Pa., July 5 (UPI) -- Pennsylvania's Gov. Edward Rendell is calling on the State Legislature to pass his Energy Independence Strategy legislation.
Rendell was in Chester Country, Pa., promoting the legislation Monday and said that with broad public support, the General Assembly should act now to pass his Energy Independence Strategy legislation. He was joined by House Democrats from southeastern Pennsylvania who echoed Rendell's call.
"Once electric rate caps come off statewide in less than three years, our families and businesses are going to see double- or triple-digit spikes in the price of electricity," said Governor Rendell. "I urge the General Assembly to act now so we can avoid this impending economic train wreck and create new economic opportunities for our people.
"The Energy Independence Strategy will help our families and businesses cut their electricity bills, conserve energy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and bring new economic development opportunities to the state. And all it will cost the average household is the price of about five cups of coffee a year."
In February Rendell announced his Energy Independence Strategy which includes an $850 million Energy Independence Fund. The money will be used to provide consumers and small businesses with $244 million to help purchase and install state-of-the-art energy technology, such as solar power systems and high-efficiency refrigerators and room air conditioners.
Customers who replace old, inefficient air conditioners and refrigerators or install solar panels on their homes or small business would qualify for rebates to help offset the cost.
