Press Release

PUC Finalizes Regulations to Reduce the Number of Paper Copies Filed

Published on 6/13/2013

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

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today finalized regulations that reduce the number of paper copies filed with pleadings.

The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt the amendments in order to simplify the 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 will result in savings of time and resources for both parties appearing before the Commission and PUC staff.

The changes follow recommendations from a Procedural Rules Committee convened by the Commission that consisted of outside practitioners and internal staff. The committee reviewed the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure and determined what rules needed to be clarified, changed or improved based on experience.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

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