Press Release

PUC Clarifies Application of New Rules to Consumer Complaints

Published on 9/15/2006

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

HARRISBURG – The Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued a policy statement that clarified the role of consumers as parties to cases pending before the Commission.

“This Commission has a long standing tradition of ensuring that consumers have the opportunity to be heard effectively and to participate meaningfully in cases at whatever level they desire,” said Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland. “Today’s proposed policy statement reaffirms that our rules are intended to maximize the opportunity for the public to file complaints and participate in the adjudication of a case if they so choose.”

The Commission voted unanimously to approve the policy statement that the Commission interprets its recently revised rules of practice and procedure to support case management practices that would allow some form of limited public participation in complex multi-party proceedings. Parties interested in commenting on the proposed policy statement will have 30 days to do so after its publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

On April 29, 2006, revisions to the Commission’s rules of practice and procedure went into effect. The revisions were designed to reflect significant changes in the PUC’s jurisdiction and responsibilities.

The Commission’s final rules of practice and procedure struck a balance for utilities, consumers and the public without imposing unnecessary delays, burdens or costs.  The rules also struck a balance between proceedings where the parties are represented by attorneys and proceedings where the parties represent themselves. Recent interpretations of the changes have caused concern, specifically as applied to individual consumer complaints.

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 new releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-00061975, L-00020156

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