Press Release

PUC Conducts Binding Poll on Default Service Programs for PECO Energy Co.

Published on 9/27/2012

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today conducted a binding poll on the issues related to the second default service program for PECO Energy Company (PECO).

The binding poll is designed to provide a mechanism for the Commission to publically discuss the issues in complex cases where there are questions to be addressed by the Commission and where parties have intervened in the proceeding. Commissioners base their findings on the record developed in the proceeding, the recommended decision from the presiding Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and the briefs and exceptions filed by the parties in the case. The ALJ issued a recommended decision on Aug. 28, 2012, and parties filed exceptions to that decision as well as reply exceptions.

The positions of the Commissioners presented during the poll are binding. Commission staff will prepare a Final Order based on the results of the poll. The action of the Commission does not become effective until a Final Order is entered by the Commission. A video of the meeting including the binding poll is available on the Commission's website.

Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer issued a motion dealing with retail-opt in program issues and cost recovery of other market-enhancement programs. She also issued a motion directing that PECO develop a plan that allows its Customer Assistance Program (CAP) customer to purchase their generation supply from electric generation suppliers (EGSs) by January 1, 2014. Both motions were intended to ensure that through approval of the PECO default service plan that the stage is set to further enhance opportunities for all consumers to realize the full potential of competitive markets.

“I believe that the proposals put forth in the PUC’s intermediate work plan and the Company’s default service plans represent useful and prudent steps toward transforming the competitive retail electricity market in the Commonwealth,” Commissioner Witmer said in a statement. “While there is much work yet to be done, today’s actions are an important first step in unlocking the potential electric competition promises for a large number of Pennsylvania consumers.”

The default service program governs how PECO will secure default service supply for non-shopping customers from June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2015. The 1996 Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act provides that electric distribution companies, or a Commission-approved alternative supplier, will provide default electric generation service to customers who have not selected an alternative generation supplier.  Under current law, the default service prices for electric generation service are required to be based upon a “prudent mix” procurement strategy that will produce the least cost to customers over time.

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. P-2012-2283641

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov