Press Release

Legislative Audit Says PUC Making ‘Good Progress’ in Implementing Alternative Energy Act, Maintaining Electric Reliability, Deploying High-Speed Internet

Published on 2/1/2007

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

HARRISBURG – A legislative audit released via the Web today finds that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) “made good progress” in implementing the requirements of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, as well as monitoring and maintaining electric reliability, and ensuring the deployment of high-speed Internet service to Pennsylvanians ahead of schedule.

The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LB&FC) released the Performance Audit of the Public Utility Commission via its Web site (http://lbfc.legis.state.pa.us/) today.

At a LB&FC hearing yesterday, the Committee Chairman, Sen. Robert M. Tomlinson (R-Bucks) commended the PUC on the results of the Audit and specifically noted the Audit’s findings related to the reasonable size and budget of the Commission when compared to other states.

Also at the hearing, a Committee member, Sen. Jay Costa Jr. (D-Allegheny), thanked Chairman Holland and the PUC for its efforts and investigation regarding recent water-main breaks in Pittsburgh.

The Audit included a number of findings and recommendations covering the PUC's operations and responsibilities, including energy, telecommunications, transportation, water and consumer issues.  The Audit recommended that the Commission develop a long-range strategic plan, which the PUC has agreed to begin immediately.

In the PUC’s response included as part of the report, Chairman Wendell F. Holland said, “Your acknowledgement of our successful efforts to implement recommendations in previous Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LB&FC) audits is appreciated.  As to the new areas examined during this audit, we are pleased with your overall favorable observations of the PUC’s operations and activities, particularly with our progress in implementing the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act.”

According to the Audit, “Given that Act 213 was not signed into law until November 2004, the PUC has made good progress in developing proposed regulations, with the regulations in two areas (net metering and interconnection rules), which went into effect upon publication on December 16, 2006).”

According to a presentation of the Audit made by LB&FC staff to its legislative members yesterday, “Perhaps the most substantive of these [previous] recommendations had to do with how the PUC establishes and monitors electric reliability standards, where the PUC has made significant regulatory changes in response to our report.”

The Audit also noted that, “At least 58 percent of Pennsylvania access lines were broadband capable as of 2004, substantially ahead of the aggregate goal of 45 percent.”  This speaks to the PUC’s implementation of Chapter 30, enacted in 2004.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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