Press Release

PUC Conducts Non-Binding Poll on PPL Distribution Rate Increase Request

Published on 12/2/2010

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today conducted a non-binding poll on the issues related to the request by PPL Electric Utilities Inc. to increase distribution rates.

The poll is designed to provide a mechanism for the Commission to resolve the contested issues of the case in a public forum. Polls are used in complex cases where there are many issues to be addressed by the Commission and many parties have filed formal comments. Audio of the meeting is available on the Commission's website.

The positions of the Commissioners presented during the discussion are non-binding and are subject to change. Commission Chairman James H. Cawley issued a statement on two issues. The non-binding poll provides Commission staff with guidance on how to prepare an opinion and order for Commission consideration at a subsequent public meeting.  

Commissioners base their findings on the record developed in the proceeding, the recommended decision from the presiding Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and the briefs and exceptions presented by the parties in the case.  Staff will craft an Order based on the results of the poll, and a Final Order then will be considered at the Dec. 16, 2010, public meeting. The action of the Commission does not become effective until a Final Order is entered by the Commission.

On May 20, 2010, the PUC voted to investigate PPL’s request to increase its electric rates by about $114 million (2.4 percent). Under the company’s original proposal, the monthly bill for an average residential customer using 1,000 kWh would increase about $7.41 (5.4 percent) from $137.34 to $144.75 per month.

A settlement agreement between the company and the formal parties in the case was filed with the Commission on Aug. 31, 2010. The settlement was for a rate increase lower than originally requested. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.     

PPL provides electricity to about 1.4 million customers in 29 counties in central and eastern Pennsylvania.

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. R-2010-2161694

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