Press Release

PUC Approves Regulation Changes for Basic Service in Bundled Services Package Plans

Published on 3/26/2009

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today changed regulations regarding basic service in bundled service package plans by local exchange carriers (LECs), otherwise known as Chapter 64 of the Public Utility Code.

The Commission voted 3-2 to amend Chapter 64 in response to a Commission directive to examine the PUC’s regulations for compliance with Act 183 of 2004. In doing so, the Commission examined the regulations in a manner that balanced industry concerns against the need for meaningful consumer protections.  

Commission Chairman James H. Cawley and Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy issued a statement. Commissioners Kim Pizzingrilli and Robert F. Powelson issued a dissenting statement.

The regulatory changes include:

• Amending the title language to reflect that the sole focus of the regulation is preserving the protected basic services within a bundled service pricing plan including defining the term “bundled service package;”
• Changing the language to generally accommodate existing diverse billing practices among LECs for bundled packages, and to establish minimum standards to preserve the availability of basic service once the bill for a bundled service pricing plan is past due; and
• Clarifying that the application of partial payments to past due bills should prioritize payments for basic service.

Chapter 64 establishes and enforces uniform, fair and equitable residential telephone service standards governing account payment and billing, credit and deposit practices, suspension, termination and customer complaint procedures. The purpose of this chapter is to assure adequate provision of residential telephone service; to restrict unreasonable suspension or termination of or refusal to provide service; and to provide functional alternatives to suspension, termination or refusal to provide service.

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

#####

Docket No. L-00060179

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722