Press Release

PUC Sets Guidelines for Chapter 14 Impact Report

Published on 7/20/2006

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today established the reporting requirements for the Commission’s biennial report on the effect of the implementation of Chapter 14.

“The goal is to collect uniform data that is comprehensive and accurate so we can provide the Governor, General Assembly and consumers with the complete picture when assessing what, if any, the impact Chapter 14 has had on consumers and utility companies,” said Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland. “As we begin a comprehensive study of Chapter 14, we remain particularly concerned that the continued volatility of the global energy markets may increase energy prices again this winter.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the reporting requirements. The biennial report will analyze the degree to which the requirements of Chapter 14 have been implemented, residential collection data, the level of access consumers have to utility service and the effect on the level of consumer complaints and payment arrangement requests filed and adjudicated with the Commission. On March 16, 2006, the Commission asked interested parties to comment on the proposed content for the report. About 15 parties submitted comments.

Chapter 14 was passed by the General Assembly as Senate Bill 677 and signed into law as Act 201 of 2004.  It requires the Commission to provide a report evaluating the affect of the law to the General Assembly and Governor every two years with the first report due in December 2006. Utilities must provide information and data to the PUC no later than Sept. 1, 2006. Some data is already routinely reported.

Chapter 14 seeks to eliminate the opportunities for customers capable of paying to avoid paying their utility bills, and to provide utilities with the means to reduce their uncollectible accounts. The law changed the way regulated electric, water and major natural gas utilities handle cash deposits; termination of service; reconnection of service; payment arrangements; and the filing of termination complaints by residential customers.

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 stewards of competition. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-00041802F0003

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