Press Release

PUC Partners with Rep. John C. Bear, Pennsylvania Consumer Advocate to Release ‘Consumer Bill of Rights’ to Remind Utility Customers of Protections in Law

Published on 12/21/2009

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

HARRISBURG -- With electricity rate caps set to expire at the end of this month for PPL customers, Rep. John C. Bear (R-Lancaster) today announced the availability of the Pennsylvania Energy Consumer Bill of Rights, produced by a joint effort of the Public Utility Commission (PUC), the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) and his office.

The new Pennsylvania Energy Consumer Bill of Rights contains sections on: Right to Safe and Reliable Utility Service; Choosing an Electric or Natural Gas Suppliers; Filing Complaints; Energy Assistance; Termination Rights; and Privacy.

“We know that Pennsylvania is making the transition to a competitive market, that electricity rates will no longer be capped, and that energy prices are increasing nationwide,” said Bear. “I want Pennsylvania electricity customers to know their rights under the law as they interact with utilities, make this transition and face potentially higher prices. The PUC and OCA have many resources available to help consumers, and I have asked them to help me develop a Pennsylvania Energy Consumer Bill of Rights to provide one consolidated and customer-friendly tool to remind electric customers of their rights pertaining to higher prices, choice, reliability, terminations, assistance programs, and energy conservation. “I wish to thank the PUC and OCA for their interest in this project, as it adds to the excellent array of consumer services and education they provide,” Bear said.  “Both of these agencies do a great job in fulfilling their respective missions.  Together, we can ensure consumers know they have protections and rights.”

PUC Chairman James H. Cawley noted the relevancy of the new Pennsylvania Energy Consumer Bill of Rights to the PUC’s mission to balance 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.

“The PUC will continue to educate Pennsylvania utility customers about critical issues, particularly ways they can prepare for increasing prices such as retail choice, conservation and programs to help them pay their bill,” said Cawley. “We have worked over the past three years to address expiring rate caps – acting more proactively and earlier than other states.  We are always willing to partner with public officials such as Representative Bear on creative solutions and to provide information to ratepayers.”

The PUC can be reached online at www.puc.state.pa.us or through its Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380.

The PUC has full-time, consumer-outreach specialists who provide utility education and outreach to consumers every day.  The outreach team educates consumers by regularly traveling throughout the state, conducting or participating in workshop events, free seminars, and roundtable discussions and community fairs.

Sonny Popowsky, Consumer Advocate of Pennsylvania, said, “I appreciate the opportunity to work with Representative Bear and the Public Utility Commission on this important effort to inform Pennsylvania utility consumers of their basic rights.  At a time when many consumers are concerned about their utility rates, it is essential for consumers to know how they can conserve energy, choose different energy suppliers, and get assistance paying their bills.”

The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate was established by the General Assembly in 1976 to represent the consumers of Pennsylvania in matters involving their utility service. The OCA can be reached toll free at (800) 684-6560 and online at www.oca.state.pa.us.

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722