Press Release

PUC Seeks Comment on Proposed Regulation Changes to Reduce the Number of Paper Copies Filed

Published on 7/19/2012

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a proposed rulemaking amending certain procedural rules to reduce the number of paper copies filed with pleadings.

The Commission voted 5-0 to issue the proposed rulemaking for comment. The proposed rulemaking is intended to simplify practice before the Commission and to diminish the burden upon parties appearing before the Commission by reducing the amount of paper they must file with the agency.

Due to the recently completed reorganization of the Commission, advances in technology and the ability of many practitioners to make electronic filings at the Commission, the proposal calls for eliminating the requirement to file additional paper copies of certain pleadings, beyond a signed original. The change is designed to result in savings of time and resources for both parties appearing before the Commission and our staff as well.

The proposed changes were recommended after the Commission convened a Procedural Rules Committee consisting of outside practitioners and internal staff. The committee’s role was to review the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure and to determine whether the rules needed clarification, changes or improvements based on experience.

Interested parties may submit comments up to 30 days following the publication of the proposed rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Further direction on how to submit comments is available in the Order.

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.pa.gov.

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Docket No. L-2012-2296005

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• Press Secretary
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