Press Release

PUC Postpones Sept. 17 Special En Banc Hearing

Published on 9/10/2009

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced it will postpone a special en banc hearing that was planned to solicit comments on the effects of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) proposed 2010 state plan and increasing energy costs would have on utility-based customer assistance programs.

The hearing, which was scheduled for Sept. 17, 2009, was postponed after the state Department of Public Welfare (DPW) informed the PUC that the filing deadline for the state plan was extended. According to a letter to the PUC, DPW now anticipates submitting a final plan to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by Sept. 25, 2009. DPW administers LIHEAP.

The letter also said DPW has extended the time needed for regulated electric and natural gas utilities to comply with changes on how utilities may apply LIHEAP monies to customer accounts under the state plan until the start of the 2010-11 LIHEAP season.

In postponing the hearing, the PUC said it was premature to accept comment on the state plan when the plan will not be in its final form by the Sept. 17 hearing. Also, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) has a related contested proceeding before the PUC concerning its 2008-2010 Universal Service and Energy Conservation Plan. 

Despite the postponed hearing, the PUC continues to welcome comments from interested parties.  The deadline to file written comments and/or revised comments has been extended to Oct. 9, 2009. The deadline extension will provide interested parties with an opportunity to review the revisions that the DPW makes to the proposed state plan.

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-2009-2123882

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