HARRISBURG, March 7 – The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee heard testimony Tuesday about legislation that would facilitate the use of mechanical insulation by electric distribution companies, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced.

Matzie said H.B. 491 clarifies that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission may not disapprove an EDC’s required energy efficiency and conservation plan solely because it contains mechanical insulation.

“Mechanical insulation is a key component when you’re talking about energy conservation,” Matzie said. “This is a fairly simple bill that would create an opportunity to expand the use of mechanical insulation, and we think we’re finally in a position to get it across the finish line.”

At the hearing, Jim Cassidy, business manager for the Insulators Union Local No. 2, testified that mechanical insulation – which is used to insulate pipes, equipment, machinery and industrial processes – provides cost savings, prevents burns, inhibits mold growth that causes sick buildings and keeps equipment running longer.

Act 129 of 2008 requires electric distribution companies to complete an energy efficiency and conservation plan that is approved by the PUC. Although the commission does not prohibit the use of mechanical insulation, the bill’s sponsors say that several plans are still waiting for PUC approval due to inclusion of mechanical insulation and that legislation is needed to ensure that including this material does not cause plan delays or disapprovals.