Press Release

PUC to Investigate FirstEnergy Companies’ Rate Increase Requests

Published on 6/9/2016

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate distribution rate increase requests for Pennsylvania Power Company (Penn Power), Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed) and West Penn Power Company (West Penn Power), collectively referred to as the FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Companies.

The Commission voted 4-0 to investigate the requests, which propose a cumulative increase of $439 million in annual rates. The Commission investigation will determine what, if any, of the requested increases are justified.

Penn Power requested an annual increase in rates of $42.0 million, or 9.5 percent over current rates. Under the request, the monthly electric bill for an average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would increase from $130.06 to $148.51 (14.2 percent).

Penn Power provides electric distribution service to approximately 163,000 customers in six counties in western Pennsylvania.

Penelec requested an annual increase in rates of $158.8 million, or 11.4 percent over current rates. Under the request, the monthly electric bill for an average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would increase from $137.89 to $161.50 (17.1 percent).

Penelec provides electric distribution service to approximately 584,000 customers in 31 counties in Pennsylvania.

Met-Ed requested an annual increase in rates of $140.2 million, or 9.5 percent over current rates. Under the request, the monthly electric bill for an average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would increase from $129.82 to $147.34 (13.6 percent).

Met-Ed provides electric distribution service to approximately 558,000 customers in 13 counties in eastern Pennsylvania.

West Penn Power requested an annual increase in rates of $98.2 million, or 5.7 percent over current rates. Under the request, the monthly electric bill for an average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would increase from $112.99 to $123.88 (9.6 percent).

West Penn Power provides electric distribution service to approximately 721,000 customers in 23 counties in western and central Pennsylvania.

The requests are suspended for up to seven months and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for public hearings and recommended decisions or settlements. Final decisions must be made by Jan. 27, 2017. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

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 for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket Nos. R-2016-2537355, R-2016-2537352, R-2016-2537349, R-2016-2537359

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• Deputy Press Secretary
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