Press Release

PUC to Accept Comments on Providing More Supplier Information on Utility Bills

Published on 2/6/2014

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a proposal to provide consumers with more information from their electric generation suppliers (EGSs) on their utility bill.

“As a proponent of competitive markets, I applaud this effort and believe it is critically important that we continue to explore ways for EGSs to more directly connect with their customers,” said Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer in a statement.  “I look forward to reviewing the comments the Commission receives on these proposals.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to receive comments on the proposed changes to customers’ electric bills, providing for the inclusion of the EGS’s logo on the bill; the expansion of bill messaging space allotted to EGSs; and the inclusion of a Shopping Information Box.  The Commission’s goal is to increase customer awareness when participating in the competitive retail electric market and provide more information from EGSs in the utility-consolidated bill.

As part of its Retail Markets Investigation End State Final Order, which was intended to improve the state’s retail electricity market, the Commission directed the Office of Competitive Market Oversight (OCMO) to provide recommendations on how the current utility-consolidated bill can provide more supplier information.  The Commission stated that the “expected end-result would look more like a joint EDC-EGS bill.”

Interested parties have 30 days to file comments.  Instructions on how to file comments may be found in the Tentative Order.

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.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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