Press Release

PUC Partners with Unisys on Information Management and Access Project, to Create Greater Access to Information and Eventually Electronic Filing

Published on 3/15/2006

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced a partnership with Pennsylvania-based Unisys, a worldwide technology services and solutions company, to begin developing the PUC’s Information Management and Access Project (InfoMAP). 

InfoMAP will overhaul the PUC’s case management system, improving efficiencies related to the docketing, tracking and sharing of information throughout the PUC.  It will also provide a single-entry point to submit and access information, initiate transactions and conduct business, thereby permitting electronic filings and giving the public electronic access to information filed with and produced by the Commission.  The Commission's current system was developed in 1978 and includes a number of mainframe-based COBOL applications that are very difficult to support due to the declining number of technicians who are familiar with such applications. 

“We selected Unisys, because they were the best qualified and the lowest bidder among potential bidders,” Chairman Wendell F. Holland said.  “InfoMAP will assist the PUC in keeping pace with growing and complex responsibilities by bringing our case management technology into the 21^st century.  Our goal is a system that makes us more effective and efficient; makes life easier for our employees; and makes it simpler for everyone who interacts with us to either give us information or get information. We expect Unisys to begin working at the PUC immediately, with an estimated completion date in the first quarter of 2008.”

Unisys earned the highest number of points in the evaluation process.  Among the bidders, Unisys received the most points in key criteria, including understanding of the problem; vendor qualifications; soundness of approach; technical solution; and overall presentation of proposal. 

Through InfoMAP, Unisys will work with the PUC to provide a case management system that enhances efficiencies by:

• Moving the PUC from dependence on hard-copy files to electronic files;
• Improving public access to information filed with and produced by the PUC;
• Improving the flow of documents throughout the PUC;
• Providing up-to-date case status information;
• Creating efficient information exchange;
• Superseding redundant tracking systems;
• Accepting and distributing documents electronically; and
• Ultimately allowing utilities to make online payments.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage at www.puc.state.pa.us.

                                                                                    ###

Contact:

• Tom Charles
  Director of Communications
  717-787-9504
  thcharles@pa.gov