Press Release

PUC to Hold Public Input Hearing on PPL Default Service Plan

Published on 1/6/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a hearing to receive public comment on a default service program and procurement plan proposed by PPL Electric Utilities (PPL).

Administrative Law Judge Susan D. Colwell will conduct the hearing at:

3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009

Northampton Community College

Main Campus, College Center

West Plaza

3835 Green Pond Road

Rooms 261-262-263

Bethlehem, PA  18020

On Aug. 28, 2008, PPL filed a petition for approval of a default service program and procurement plan for the company to secure its default service supply for the period Jan. 1, 2011, through May 31, 2014. 

The 1996 electric competition law requires electric utilities, or a Commission approved alternative supplier, to provide default electric generation service to customers who have not selected an alternative generation supplier. This is commonly called default service or provider of last resort service (POLR). In establishing a default service plan, electric utilities should establish a process that results in default service prices that are the least cost to customers over time.  

The generation rates for the state's electric customers were capped as a result of the settlement agreements reached during the state's restructuring proceedings.  PPL's generation rate caps expire Dec. 31, 2009.  Electric generation prices are not set by the PUC, but rather are set by the wholesale market, over which the PUC exercises no jurisdiction.  However, the PUC is tasked with ensuring that the bidding process through which PPL acquires wholesale generation is competitive.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue a report, which will include recommendations for future action, as well as changes in policies and regulations governing electric service reliability.

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.
• Bring copies.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.
• Your testimony will not become part of the record in the proceeding 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.  P-2008-2060309

Contact:

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