Press Release

PUC Releases Annual Report Highlighting Universal Service Programs Collections Performance

Published on 8/15/2012

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG­ - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released the 12th 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 $15,287 a year.  According to the report, the gross write-offs ratio for the electric industry was 1.85 percent in 2011, compared to 1.78 percent in 2010, while the natural gas industry average was 3.21 percent in 2011 and 3.66 percent in 2010.

Highlights from the 2011 report include that electric companies:

• Used $250,122,210 to enroll 306,213 customers in CAPs;
• Saw their customers receive more than $57 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits;
• Spent $25,900,142 to provide 19,316 households with LIURP benefits.  The companies have budgeted $27,333,043 in 2012; and
• Saw 9,100 customers receive over $3 million in hardship fund benefits.

Highlights also include that natural gas companies:

• Used $151,715,916 to enroll 189,691 customers in CAPs;
• Saw their customers receive more than $103 million in LIHEAP benefits;
• Spent $16,870,626 to provide 3,574 households with LIURP benefits.  The companies have budgeted $18,221,497 in 2012; and
• Saw 9,200 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.pa.gov.

Contact:

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  717-787-5722