Press Release

PUC Announces Agenda for Nov. 10 Retail Electricity Markets Investigation Hearing

Published on 11/2/2011

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – With an emphasis on examining consumer-education issues and ease of shopping, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced the agenda for a Nov. 10, 2011, en banc hearing, which is part of the PUC’s ongoing investigation into Pennsylvania’s competitive retail electricity markets.

“We continue to make progress with the retail markets, which we hope will result in one of the most competitive electricity markets in the United States,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “This is our aim because we believe consumers will benefit from the lower rates and variety of offerings that exist in a truly competitive market.  Through this investigation we will attempt to enhance consumer education so that all Pennsylvania electric customers are fully informed about the process of switching suppliers. Our goal is to ensure customers are knowledgeable about this issue and have the best possible experience shopping for an electric generation supplier.”

Following a presentation of consumer survey results, the en banc hearing will be divided into five panels addressing issues such as consumer survey results; a statewide consumer-education campaign; accelerated switching timeframes; customer referral programs; retail opt-in auction; and default service plans beyond June 2013. The panels include a mix of consumer advocates as well as utility and supplier representatives.

The en banc hearing is to be held:

12:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 2011

Hearing Room 1

Commonwealth Keystone Building

400 North St., Harrisburg, PA

The hearing is designed to provide insight on key issues that the PUC plans to address either before or as part of the intermediate work plan to promote competition. A more specific agenda including panelists will be made available closer to the hearing date. The PUC will select panel participants representing a diverse set of perspectives. Panel participants will make a short presentation then the Commissioners will conduct a question and answer session of each panel.

Interested parties are welcome to submit written comments after the en banc hearing no later than Nov. 23, 2011. Comments along with any questions about the hearing should be directed to ra-rmi@pa.gov. The comments will be considered as part of the process to develop an intermediate work plan.

On April 28, 2011, the Commission launched its retail electricity market investigation, which is being conducted in two phases.  The first phase was designed to assess the status of the current retail market and explore what changes need to be made to allow customers to fully realize the benefits of competition.  On July 28, 2011, the Commission directed its Office of Competitive Markets Oversight (OCMO) to hold technical conferences to address intermediate and long term issues pertaining to the competitive retail electricity market and provide specific proposals for changes to the existing retail market and default service model. The second phase is examining and addressing how to best resolve the issues raised and implement the prudent changes identified based upon information gathered during the investigation.

On Oct. 14, 2011, the PUC issued for comment intermediate recommendations to guide the state’s electric distribution companies in developing upcoming default service plans. Interested parties may submit comments until Nov. 3, 2011.

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.

# # #

Docket No. I-2011-2237952

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722