Press Release
PUC Releases Annual Report Highlighting Universal Service Programs Collections Performance
Published on 8/1/2011
HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released the 11th annual summary of the universal service programs and collections performance of each of the state’s major electric distribution companies (EDCs) and natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs).
Universal service programs are those designed to help ensure that all customers have access to utility service no matter what their income. Programs include the Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP), Customer Assistance Program (CAP), Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES) and Hardship Funds.
Generally, electric and natural gas customers enrolled in universal service programs have average household incomes that are less than $17,850 a year. According to the report, the gross write-offs ratio for the electric industry was 1.78 percent in 2010, compared to 2.10 percent in 2009, while the natural gas industry average was 3.66 percent in 2010 and 3.92 percent in 2009.
Highlights from the 2010 report include that electric companies:
- Used $226,810,162 to enroll 293,436 customers in CAPs;
- Saw their customers receive more than $52 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits;
- Spent $23,906,866 to provide 18,358 households with LIURP benefits. The companies have budgeted $26,126,226 in 2011; and
- Saw 11,372 customers receive over $3.5 million in hardship fund benefits.
Highlights also include that natural gas companies:
- Used $150,596,106 to enroll 191,891 customers in CAPs;
- Saw their customers receive more than $105 million in LIHEAP benefits;
- Spent $12,327,305 to provide 3,390 households with LIURP benefits. The companies have budgeted $18,943,020 in 2011; and
- Saw 9,938 customers receive nearly $5 million in hardship fund benefits.
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.
Contact:
-
Denise McCracken
Senior Communications Specialist
717-787-5722
demccracken@pa.gov
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