Press Release

PUC Approves Consumer Education Plans for PECO and UGI

Published on 8/7/2008

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Public Utility Commission (PUC) today gave final approval of consumer-education plans related to electric rate cap removal and price increase mitigation for PECO Energy and UGI Utilities Inc. – Electric Division.

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

The Commission voted 5-0 to grant final approval of the companies’ plans.   

In a statement, Commissioner Robert F. Powelson said, "I wish to put the electric companies on notice that our approval of these plans does not signal the end of our involvement in their consumer education efforts.  As a Commission, we will be monitoring the electric companies' implementation of these plans very closely."

A May 17, 2007, Commission Order at Docket No. M-00061957 established policies to mitigate potential electricity price increases that follow the expiration of generation rate caps.  In that Order, the Commission directed all electric distribution companies (EDCs) to prepare and file a consumer-education plan by Dec. 31, 2007, for Commission review and approval.  The plans were required to include eight specific Energy Education Standards and propose appropriate budget levels and cost recovery mechanism.  The intention is to prepare Pennsylvanians for removal of electric rate caps and to make informed decisions regarding their own levels of electric use. 

On May 22 and June 5, 2008, the Commission tentatively approved the plans and opened them up to a 30-day public comment period.  Comments were filed on both plans by the PUC’s Consumer Advisory Council, state’s Office of Consumer Advocate, state’s Office of Small Business Advocate and the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project.  Additionally, joint comments on PECO’s plan were filed by The Reinvestment Fund and Affordable Comfort Inc., Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future, the Clean Air Council, the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia, Maureen Mulligan Communications Consulting, PennEnvironment and Warren Energy Engineering.  Both companies filed reply comments.

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 Nos.            M-2008-2032267, M-2008-2032274

Contact:

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