Press Release

PUC Approves Rules to Update Regulations on Residential Utility Service Standards

Published on 2/24/2011

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved rules that will update its regulations dealing with residential utility service standards in order to make those regulations consistent with legislative changes regarding how utilities address delinquent residential accounts and to modernize the regulations as to accommodate technological advances.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the motion of Commissioner Robert F. Powelson, which approves the proposed rulemaking that will revise its regulations at 52 Pa. Code Chapter 56, to ensure they are consistent with Act 201 of 2004, also known as Chapter 14.  Section 6 of Act 201 requires the Commission to amend Chapter 56 to comply with the provisions of Chapter 14.   Commissioner John F. Coleman, Jr. issued a partial dissenting statement.

The proposed rulemaking addresses provisions such as:

·         Winter termination;

·         Definition of customer;

·         User without contract;

·         Application and credit standards;

·         Security deposits;

·         The service termination process;

·         Medical emergency procedures;

·         Dispute procedures;

·         Protections for victims of domestic violence;

·         Electronic billing and payment; and

·         Medical certificates. 

Chapter 14 seeks to eliminate opportunities for customers capable of paying their utility bills to avoid payment, and to provide utilities with the means to reduce their uncollectable amounts.  The law changed the way regulated electric, water and major natural gas utilities handle cash deposits; reconnection of service; termination of service; payment arrangements; and the filing of termination complaints by residential customers.

Chapter 56 regulations established and enforced uniform, fair and equitable residential utility service standards governing eligibility criteria, credit and deposit practices, account billing, termination and customer complaint procedures.

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.  L-00060182

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