Press Release

PUC Seeks Comments on Revised Implementation Plan from FirstEnergy

Published on 8/20/2015

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today tentatively accepted a revised Implementation Plan from Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed), Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), Pennsylvania Power Company (Penn Power), and West Penn Power Company (West Penn Power), collectively referred to as the FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Companies (FirstEnergy or Companies).  The revised plan demonstrates how the Companies plan to implement performance improvements that will correct their operational and customer service deficiencies.

The Commission voted 5-0 to seek comments on the revised plan.

The Commission had directed FirstEnergy to submit a more detailed revised Implementation Plan following the Feb. 12, 2015, release of its Focused Management and Operations Audit.  On Feb. 12, the Commission voted to approve a motion by PUC Commissioner James H. Cawley, which directed FirstEnergy to file a revised Implementation Plan along with additional reports for a period of three years in order to track the effectiveness of its progress in correcting many of its operational and customer service performance issues identified in the audit.  The Companies submitted an initial Implementation Plan indicating that all accepted recommendations will be implemented by the end of 2019. The Commission had directed FirstEnergy to work closely with the PUC’s Bureau of Technical Utility Services, the Electric Safety Division of the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, and the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services regarding their progress.

The Focused Management and Operations Audit, conducted by the PUC’s Bureau of Audits, analyzed and evaluated management performance in 14 functional areas.  The Audit Report made 28 recommendations to the Companies for improvement that, if implemented, could provide a combined estimated annual cost savings of approximately $3.7 - $3.8 million and a one-time savings of approximately $19.2 million.

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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook.

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Docket Nos. D-2013-2365991; D-2013-2365992; D-2013-2365993; D-2013-2365994

Contact:

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