Press Release

PUC Begins eFiling Program for All Users

Published on 2/17/2009

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today began allowing all users including consumers, utilities and practitioners to begin eFiling.

“The widespread availability of eFiling is the latest step in creating an even more open and transparent PUC,” said Commission Chairman James H. Cawley. “As a result of a successful pilot program, we have been able to take user feedback and create a system that is user-friendly and ready for use. Combined with our enhanced Web site search engine, audio of certain Commission proceedings and improved case management system, the public should find the PUC is more accessible than ever.”

The PUC’s eFiling pilot program began on Dec. 8, 2008, with about 20 participants. About half of those participants combined to successfully eFile more than 100 documents. The PUC will hold a demonstration of eFiling along with a question and answer session at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building.

Those interested in using the eFiling system can visit the PUC Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us for instructions on how to set up an account, access the users guide and preview the system. Users who wish to make eFilings prior to the demo are asked to review all information carefully. 

With eFiling, PUC filing fees can be paid via the Web site using a credit card. However, PUC fines cannot be paid online at this time. Only "qualified documents," designated by the Commission, are eligible for eFiling. Qualified documents include:

Those using the eFiling system are asked to submit one paper copy within three business days of the eFiling. The PUC Secretary’s Bureau is required to maintain one paper copy of all documents filed with the Commission under the Commonwealth Documents Law.  The eFiling Summary Page that contains the eFiling confirmation number should be included with the paper copy as the first page. 

On Sept. 27, 2008, Commission regulations went into effect to permit consumers, utilities and practitioners to file certain documents electronically without filing paper copies; serve documents electronically on other parties if they agree to such service; and receive electronic service of documents from the Commission.

 eFiling is part of the PUC’s implementation of a new case and document management system – InfoMAP (Information Management and Access Project). InfoMAP overhauled the PUC’s case management system, improving the Commission’s docketing, tracking and sharing of information.  It provides a single-entry point to submit and access information, initiate transactions and conduct business therefore permitting electronic filings and giving the public electronic access to information filed with and produced by the PUC.

Since the implementation of InfoMAP, access by external users to information maintained by the PUC has improved significantly over the past several months, with most filings being scanned and published to the Web site. This results in more documents being available electronically to the public through the Web site’s search engine.

InfoMAP is a $6.6 million project that began in March 2006 to replace the PUC’s case management system that was developed in-house in 1978.  InfoMAP allows the PUC to operate with a new system that automates workflows and relies less on paper.

 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.

# # #

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722