Press Release

PUC Adopts Rules Updating Regulations on Residential Utility Service Standards

Published on 6/9/2011

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to accept revisions it received from the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) on a proposed rulemaking, which updates regulations and standards for residential utility service. 

The Commission voted 5-0 to accept IRRC’s revisions.  IRRC conducted a procedural review and issued a disapproval order, in which they requested a further explanation of the PUC’s statutory authority for certain chapters in the rulemaking and a more detailed cost-benefit and fiscal impact analysis of the regulation. 

On Feb. 24, 2011, the Commission approved the proposed rulemaking that revised that revised 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.

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

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Docket No. L-00060182

Contact:

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