Press Release

PUC Weighs Changes to Remove Barriers to a Competitive Retail Electric Market in the PPL Service Territory

Published on 5/14/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a proposed order designed to remove barriers to a competitive retail electric market in the PPL service territory.

The Commission voted 5-0 to accept comments on the proposed order which considers actions that are necessary to achieve a fully competitive retail market in the PPL service territory, given the scheduled expiration of PPL’s rate caps on Dec. 31, 2009. Commission Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy concurred in result only and issued a statement.

“It is vitally important that, because of the number of consumers involved, any barriers to entry are removed and an effective competitive environment is ensured so that electric generation suppliers (EGSs) will offer a full array of products in PPL’s territory,” said Commissioner Robert F. Powelson in a statement. “In short, there is little room for error as we prepare for the expiration of PPL’s rate caps in just seven short months, as well as the expiration of the remaining rate caps across the state in the very near future.”

Based on previous experience with the expiration of rate caps, the PUC believes certain standards, rules and operational protocols will make the retail market more viable for EGSs that wish to offer retail generation service to PPL customers.  PPL is one of the largest EDCs in the Commonwealth and the Commission feels it is important that its market contain competitive alternatives, that its customers are aware of these competitive alternatives and that no barriers exist to prevent EGS entry into the market. 

The Commission will accept comments on:

• Customer information databases;
• Data access including electronic data interchange (EDI) validation, estimation, editing; historical usage; interval usage; transmission and capacity peak load contribution; meter read cycle information and multiple accounts.
• Bill ready and rate ready options;
• Timely EDI testing;
• Purchase of receivables;
• Customer awareness and education programs;
• Commitments to a process for development of a uniform supplier tariff;
• An ombudsman for supplier issues; and
• PPL costs of competition related activities.

Interested parties have 30 days from the entry of the order to file comments with the Commission. Addition direction for filing comments will be provided in the entered order. If no opposing comments are filed, the order may become final without further Commission action.

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-2009-2104271

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