CONSUMER ADVISORY BOARD PASSES AECP PROPOSAL

On November 19, 2002 the Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) passed the AECP legislative proposal by a vote of 8 – 4. This proposal will now be recommended for consideration by the Legislative Transition Task Force (LTTF) at their meeting on January 7, 2003. The LTTF is a legislative committee overseeing Virginia’s transition from a regulated electric utility industry to a deregulated environment.

AECP SUBMITS LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL TO CONSUMER ADVISORY BOARD

On October 25, 2002, AECP submitted a legislative proposal for consideration by the Consumer Advisory Board. This proposal, if enacted, will have a significant impact on low-income consumers and could potentially create opportunities for additional energy conservation services for those citizens most vulnerable in a de-regulated electric utility environment - the elderly, the handicapped, and families with children. The proposal will be considered by the Consumer Advisory Board on November 19, 2002.

AECP SPONSORS 3RD ANNUAL ENERGY CONSERVATION FAIR

AECP held its 3rd annual Energy Conservation Fair at the Roanoke Civic Center on September 13 and 14, 2002. There were 40 exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, and door prizes. The purpose of the fair was to educate the general public on why it is important to save energy and show them how this can be achieved in the home and/or business.

AECP HOLDS RETREAT FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

On July 10, 2002, AECP conducted a Board retreat at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, VA. The event was facilitated by Becky Christenson, a professional planner specializing in activities for non-profit organizations. The event was designed to improve the organization and create a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of AECP Directors.

AECP HELPS CONDUCT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

AECP partnered with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in presenting a workshop on Financial Management for weatherization programs. The workshop was held in Virginia Beach, VA on June 19, 2002.

AECP CONDUCTS YEAR-END MEMBERSHIP MEETING

On June 17, 2002, AECP conducted its annual year- end meeting for the full membership. The meeting was held in Virginia Beach, VA and new AECP Officers and Directors were elected.

AECP ATTENDS ZOOBILATION

AECP participated in the Zoobilation for Conservation Festival on April 27, 2002 at the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke, VA. The event is designed to promote the conservation activities at the Zoo as well as conservation efforts by other organizations in the areas of water conservation, recycling, land management, air pollution, energy conservation, and wildlife management. It was an outdoor event on a beautiful, sunny Saturday that featured several exhibits, speakers, presentations, and activities for children. AECP was able to distribute newsletters, brochures, videos, promote weatherization, and discuss energy saving opportunities with several interested homeowners.

AECP CONDUCTS NEEDS ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP

On April 24, 2002, AECP sponsored a needs assessment workshop for the entire Virginia Weatherization network. Eighteen Weatherization programs participated in this day-long event which was facilitated by a professional facilitator. The immediate needs of the programs and goals and future directions were discussed. A plan for implementation and a strategy for success were also discussed and reported.

AECP CONDUCTS PROGRAM EFFICIENCY WORKSHOP

On March 21, 2002, AECP Executive Director, Billy Weitzenfeld, conducted a day-long workshop with the Community Energy Conservation Program (CECP), which is based in Charlottesville, VA. The workshop involved activities and discussions related to improving the quality and performance of CECP’s weatherization program. A program needs assessment was also conducted and all management staff and field staff participated in this process.

AECP HOLDS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

AECP held a full membership meeting in Richmond, Virginia on February 13, 2002. Over 25 members attended and several important issues were discussed and voted on. The AECP membership dues was re-structured and a Weatherization Program needs assessment exercise was planned.

AECP SUBMITS LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL

The Consumer Advisory Board, a sub-committee of the Virginia Legislative Transition Task Force, which is studying the deregulation of the electric utility industry, passed a legislative proposal submitted by AECP in December of 2001. The proposal was then recommended for consideration by the Legislative Task Force but the legislators did not act upon this recommendation.

The AECP proposal recommended that a three (3) cent a month assessment charge be incorporated into the existing base customer service charge on all residential electric accounts. This thirty-six (36) cent a year tax would be deposited into the Home Energy Assistance Fund and would provide an annual revenue of over one million dollars. This money could be used to supplement existing LIHEAP and Weatherization services.

AECP strongly believes that low-income consumers – the elderly, the handicapped, and families with children – will be at the greatest risk in a deregulated environment and will suffer greatly if electricity costs rise due to a competitive marketplace.