Press Release

PUC Announces Public Input Hearing for PECO Energy Universal Service Three-Year Plan

Published on 4/15/2008

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a public input hearing to receive public comment on PECO Energy Company’s proposed Universal Service Three-Year Plan.

Administrative Law Judge Charles E. Rainey Jr. will conduct the hearing at:

           9 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2008

            Philadelphia Senior Center – Main Branch

            509 South Broad Street

            Philadelphia, PA 19147

On Sept. 1, 2006, PECO filed a three year (2007-09) universal service and energy conservation plan (Universal Service Plan).  After reviewing PECO’s universal service plan, the Commission determined that several issues warranted further review.  On Sept. 28, 2007, the Commission referred those issues to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for hearings and a Recommended Decision.  The following five issues are to be addressed:

• The legal question of PECO recovering uncollectible expenses through its proposed universal service funding mechanism;
• A determination of whether a payment design that is more consistent with the intent of the Customer Assistance Program Policy Statement is feasible and to make recommendations regarding its implementation;
• Further explanation, clarification and more detailed information provided by PECO regarding its proposals to expand its use of automatic enrollment and recertification;
• Clarification of PECO’s revision of its arrearage forgiveness policy and possible revision of PECO’s proposed arrearage forgiveness policy; and
• Examination and proposal of possible consumer education methods that may be instituted to improve customers’ understanding of the CAP Rate Program.

A final decision will made by the Commission at a public meeting in Harrisburg.  PECO’s universal service programs are designed for low-income, residential customers who demonstrate or express difficulty in paying their monthly energy bill.  Universal service programs are designed to help ensure that all customers have access to utility service no matter what their income.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearing and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decision in the case.  The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate, which represents residential customers in rate cases, offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• Sign in to testify when you arrive.  The judge will call witnesses to speak from the order they have signed in.
• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• If you have a written statement or other papers you want to provide as evidence, please bring copies with you for the Administrative Law Judge, court reporter and other active participants in the case. 
• Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is truthful.
• Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said. 

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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Docket No. M-00061945

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov