Press Release

PUC Tentatively Approves Consumer-Education Plan for Pike County Light & Power

Published on 7/17/2008

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Public Utility Commission (PUC) today tentatively approved a consumer-education plan related to electric rate cap removal and price increase mitigation for Pike County Light & Power.

The plan is posted to the PUC’s Web site for review at the following link.

The Commission voted 4-0 to tentatively approve the company’s plan and allow the Order to be issued for a 30-day period during which interested parties can file comments or request evidentiary hearings.  If no petitions or comments are filed on an Order in the 30-day period, it will become final.  If comments or petitions are filed, the Commission will consider each comment and issue a Final Order or refer the matter to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for hearings.

On May 10, 2007, the Commission approved a Final Order at Docket No. M-00061957 (entered on May 17, 2007) regarding policies to mitigate potential electricity price increases.  In that Order, the Commission directed all electric distribution companies (EDCs) to prepare and file a consumer education plan by December 31, 2007, for Commission review and approval.  The plans were required to include eight specific Energy Education Standards, and propose appropriate budget levels and a cost recovery mechanism.  The intention is to prepare Pennsylvanians for electric price increase mitigation. 

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-2008-2032266

Contact:

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