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PUC Actions Related to COVID-19

While physical offices were closed from March 2020 to August 2021, the PUC remained fully operational with personnel working remotely. Offices at the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg, PA, reopened Aug. 2, 2021.

It is strongly recommended that you call and make an appointment before arriving at the Commission since no member of the public is currently allowed access to PUC offices without an escort from Commission staff. Some employees are still working remotely and may not be available to meet with you when you arrive. If you visit the Commission without an appointment, you may have to wait until staff can meet with you.

Regulatory Flexibility Authority Report

Regulatory Flexibility Authority Report - The PUC's report describing what regulatory and statutory requirements were suspended during the disaster emergency, as well as when the suspension of these requirements was terminated. Dated Nov. 1, 2021.

 

Emergency Orders & Press Releases

The Commission took several actions on the the Governor's Proclamation of Disaster Emergency related to COVID-19. 

Emergency Orders

Waiver of Regulations re: Service Requirements - This is a reminder that the Emergency Order adopted by the Commission on March 26, 2020, expired on Sept. 30, 2021. Please see the attached Order regarding the waiver of service requirements under the Commission's regulations adopted and entered Sept. 15, 2021. This Order requires, among other things, that all filings containing confidential and proprietary material should no longer be emailed directly to the Secretary, but instead be submitted by overnight delivery or by using the Commission's Share Point File system by contacting the Secretary's Bureau in advance. Docket No. M-2021-3028321

Public Utility Service Termination Moratorium - Modifications of March 13th Emergency Order - From the Public Meeting of October 8, 2020 at Docket No. M-2020-3019244. 

Emergency Order Press Release on Suspension of Regulatory and Statutory Deadlines -  PUC Permitting Modifications to Administrative Deadlines, Procedural Rules for the Commission’s Filing and Service Requirements, dated March 20, 2020. Docket No. M-2020-3019262. Emergency Order

Emergency Order Press Release on Supplier Marketing -  Press Release: PUC Suspends Door-to-Door, In-Person Marketing Activities for Energy Suppliers During Governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency, dated March 16, 2020. Docket No. M-2020-3019254. Emergency Order

Emergency Order Press Release on Terminations - PUC Prohibits Utility Terminations, Consistent with Governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency, dated March 13, 2020. Docket No. M-2020-3019244. Emergency Order 

Secretarial Letters

List of Secretarial Letters that relate to COVID-19.

Secretarial Letters

Secretarial Letter on Temporary Reporting Requirement for At-Risk Accounts - The PUC's Secretarial Letter directing all electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and telecommunications utilities to comply with a temporary reporting requirement as it relates to customers at-risk of termination. Dated October 1, 2020 at Docket No. M-2020-3019244.

Secretarial Letter on Modification to the Emergency Order on Filing and Service Requirements - The PUC's Secretarial Letter permitting modifications to the Emergency Order on administrative deadlines and procedural rules for the Commission’s filing and service requirements, dated July 27, 2020 at Docket No. M-2020-3019262.

Secretarial Letter on COVID-19 Customer Service, Billing and Public Outreach - The PUC's Secretarial Letter on COVID-19 Customer Service, Billing and Public Outreach Provisions Request for Utility Information at Docket No. M-2020-3020055. Dated May 29, 2020. All jurisdictional fixed utilities have until the close of business (4:30 p.m. EST) on Monday, June 15, 2020 to file its responses.

Secretarial Letter on COVID-19 Cost Tracking - The PUC's Secretarial Letter on COVID-19 Cost Tracking and Creation of Regulatory Asset at Docket No. M-2020-3019775. Dated May 13, 2020.

Press Releases

List of press releases that educate utility customers about resources and options available during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Press Releases

PUC Creates Added 2021 Safeguards to Address Past-Due Utility Bills - PUC extends payment plans available for residential and small business utility customers to stay connected and gradually pay down balances. Dated March 11, 2021. Docket No. M-2020-3019244. Order

PUC Enhances Utility Protections for those Struggling Financially - PUC enhances utility protections for families and businesses struggling with the financial impact of COVID-19. Dated October 8, 2020. Docket M-2020-3019244. Order

PUC Continues to Educate Consumers - PUC continues to educate utility customers about their rights & responsibilities, assistance programs, & available resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during the recovery period that will follow. Dated May 7, 2020.

PUC Urges Consumers to Know Their Options - PUC is urging consumers to understand the resources & options available to help keep utility service affordable during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Consumers should contact their utilities for assistance before bills become past-due. Dated April 8, 2020.

PUC Urges Electric Safety Awareness - PUC urges extra caution with spring projects & increased awareness of home electric safety during current pandemic. Dated April 2, 2020.

PUC Urges Homeowners to Delay Digging Projects - PUC recognizes Safe Digging Month & urges homeowners to delay digging projects during COVID-19 emergency declaration. Dated March 27, 2020.

PUC Shares Tips for Financially-Stressed Households - PUC urges financially stressed consumers to work with utilities to explore options and thanks utilities for safeguarding essential services. Dated March 27, 2020.

PUC Provides Tips on Telemarketing Sales - PUC provides tips on telemarketing sales and urges heightened vigilance for potential scams during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dated March 25, 2020.

Commission Public Meetings & Testimony

The Commission held its regularly scheduled Public Meetings telephonically until April 14, 2022.

Public Meetings

The PUC resumed holding public meetings in-person in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building on April 14, 2022.

Commission Testimony

Testimony - Chairman Gladys Dutrieuille testified before the House Commerce Committee on September 22, 2020 in regards to how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the Commission, utilities and consumers.

Damage Prevention Committee (DPC)

The Damage Prevention Committee held its Damage Prevention Committee Meetings virtually until  July 12, 2022, when the meetings were held in-person and virtually.

DPC Meeting

The PUC resumed holding DPC meetings in-person in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building on July 12, 2022, but people also could watch and participate virtually.

 

Cybersecurity

The Commission's Office of Cybersecurity Compliance and Oversight (PUC-OCCO) monitored the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and its impact on cybersecurity. The PUC-OCCO took part in the Department of Homeland Security, Critical Infrastructure Security Agency (DHS-CISA) government and industry coordination calls. These calls issued guidance and information for critical infrastructure partners to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate any effects that a cybersecurity event would have on the utilities regulated by the PUC.

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