Press Release

PUC Weighs Rulemaking on Safeguards for Electric Industry, Customers

Published on 8/25/2011

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a proposed rulemaking related to the competitive safeguards that govern the relationships between electric distribution companies (EDCs), electric generation suppliers and customers.

The Commission voted 5-0 to issue for comment the proposed rulemaking, which encompasses the Competitive Safeguards Regulations at 52 Pa. Code §§ 54.121 – 123 and draft a proposed rulemaking order. The safeguards, which were codified in July 2000, were designed to assure the provision of direct access on equal and nondiscriminatory terms, to prevent cross subsidization between EDCs and their affiliated suppliers, to prohibit unfair or deceptive practices by suppliers, and to establish and maintain an effective and vibrant competitive market in the purchase and sale of retail electric energy in Pennsylvania. 

The proposed rulemaking realigns the regulation according to subject matter for a more convenient use.  It divides the regulation into the following six subject matter categories: non-discrimination requirements; customer requests for information; prohibited transactions and activities; accounting and training requirements; dispute resolution procedures; and penalties. 

Interested parties may submit comments up to 45 days following the publication of the proposed rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. To submit comments, send an original and 15 copies (including the docket number) to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Attn: Secretary, P.O. Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265. 

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-2010-2160942

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