Press Release

PUC Chairman Holland Plans to Address Energy Prices and Aging Infrastructure on Joint Federal-State Smart Grid Collaborative

Published on 6/17/2008

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – In a time of rising energy prices and aging infrastructure systems, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Wendell F. Holland will be working to address these issues and several other priorities as a participant on the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC) – Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Smart Grid Collaborative.

“Rising energy prices and aging critical infrastructure are inextricably linked,” said Chairman Wendell F. Holland.  “Together, these issues create a significant challenge for the Commission and other regulators as we continue to balance the interests of our consumers and those who provide them with utility service.  Working with members of the NARUC-FERC Smart Grid Collaborative will be a promising opportunity to improve Pennsylvania’s infrastructure by developing it into a modern and more reliable system.”

Chairman Holland is one of 16 state commissioners named by NARUC to serve on the joint federal-State Smart Grid Collaborative.  Consistent with the Chairman’s ongoing interests for Pennsylvania consumers, he will join the other members of the Collaborative to discuss technological and other issues that will ease the transition to a smart electric grid for Pennsylvanians.

“The transition to a smart electric grid in Pennsylvania will not only impact residential customers, but also commercial and industrial consumers,” said Chairman Holland.  “A smart grid will bring more and better smart metering options, which have the potential to mitigate rates for the average residential consumer and will also improve the power quality for businesses.” 

Holland will work alongside other state regulators, including Smart Grid Collaborative co-chairs Commissioner Suedeen Kelly of FERC and Commissioner Fred Butler of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to discuss the importance of this technology.

"This dialogue between state and federal regulators gives us an avenue to reach the ratepayers who will benefit from the Smart Grid," Commissioner Butler of New Jersey said. "As industry technologies emerge, it is important that state and federal regulators understand the advancements and how they will benefit customers and impact the grid."

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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Contact:

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