Press Release

PUC Officially Launches Investigation into the State’s Competitive Electricity Retail Market; Schedules En Banc Hearing for June 8

Published on 4/28/2011

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today issued additional details on how it will proceed with its investigation into the state’s competitive electricity retail market. 

The Commission voted 4-1 to approve a joint motion by Chairman Robert F. Powelson and Vice Chairman John F. Coleman to officially launch the statewide investigation, first announced during the Commission’s approval of the FirstEnergy/Allegheny Power merger on Feb. 24, 2011. 

“One of the great challenges for regulators is keeping up with the industries and markets they regulate,” said Chairman Powelson.  “Our goal during this statewide investigation is to make recommendations for improvements to ensure a properly functioning and workable competitive retail electricity market exists in the state.”

"This statewide investigation gives the Commission an opportunity to assess the status of the market and to make the necessary adjustments for a more robust electricity shopping experience for Pennsylvania consumers," added Vice Chairman Coleman. “This investigation will detail how to best address and resolve the issues identified.”

The Commission will conduct the investigation in two phases.  The first phase is designed to assess the status of the current retail market and explore what changes need to be made to allow customers to best realize the benefits of competition.  At the conclusion of this first phase the Commission will initiate the second phase to examine and address how to best resolve the issues raised and implement the prudent changes identified based upon its review of the comments received.

Interested parties are directed to answer specific questions. Comments are to be filed with the Commission’s Secretary’s Bureau, Attn: Secretary Rosemary Chiavetta, Public Utility Commission, 2^nd floor, PO Box 3265, Harrisburg , PA 17105-3265 at this docket by June 3, 2011.

Upon receipt and review of comments from all interested parties, the Commission will initiate the second phase of the investigation by organizing working groups to be headed by the Commission’s Office of Competitive Market Oversight.  These working groups will be tasked with studying how best to address and resolve the issues identified by the Commission as being most relevant to improving the current retail market.  Upon conclusion of the investigation, the working groups will provide recommendations outlining specific courses of action to be taken by the Commission to improve the retail electricity market.

Lastly, the Commission will hold two en banc hearings, one for each stage of the investigation, to allow invited parties the opportunity to discuss the topics raised in this proceeding.  The first en banc hearing is scheduled for June 8, 2011, in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg.  The Commission will schedule a subsequent en banc hearing upon launching the second phase of the investigation. If you wish to request to testify at the June 8 hearing or for more information, contact ra-ocmo@state.pa.us.

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. I-2011-2237952 

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov