CPS Energy customers and other interested individuals are invited to a public hearing on four standards set forth in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA).

The hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at Villita Assembly Building, 401 Villita St.

“We have already received written comments from the public, and now we are asking for any verbal comments to be entered into the record before developing final recommendations for consideration by the CPS Energy Board of Trustees in November,” said Norma Soliz, CPS Energy senior director of regulatory relations.

Signed into law Dec. 19, 2007, EISA includes several provisions that amend PURPA (Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act) by adding new standards that CPS Energy must consider, Soliz explained.  The four new standards address:  (1) integrated resource planning; (2) rate design modifications to promote energy-efficiency investments; (3) consideration of smart grid investments; and (4) smart grid information.

“The standards in EISA are not requirements,” Soliz said, “however CPS Energy must consider each one.  After taking staff and public input into consideration, the CPS Energy Board of Trustees may adopt, reject or modify one or more of the standards.”

CPS Energy staff’s preliminary recommendations were posted on the company’s Web site, cpsenergy.com, on Sept. 28, while responses to the public’s written comments were published Oct. 26.

Those wishing to take part in the Nov. 2 public hearing are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to sign in if they wish to speak.

“All comments, whether written or verbal, will be presented to the Board for review,” Soliz said.

The deadline for the first four standards is Dec. 19, 2009.

For additional information, visit the Web site; contact Soliz at 353-2761; or send an e-mail message to feedback@cpsenergy.com.

When sending e-mail, please include a reference to “EISA” in the subject line.