Press Release

PUC Reminds Consumers of Public Input Hearings for Rate Increase Request by FirstEnergy Companies

Published on 8/2/2016

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded consumers about an ongoing series of hearings to gather public input on distribution rate increase requests filed by the FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Companies – including Pennsylvania Power Company (Penn Power), Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed) and West Penn Power Company (West Penn Power).

The hearings, conducted by Administrative Law Judge Mary D. Long, will be held at the following locations and times:

Thursday, August 4, 2016 – 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Days Inn

240 S. Pugh St

State College PA 16801
 

Thursday, August 11, 2016 – 1 p.m.

Doubletree by Hilton

340 Race Track Rd

Washington PA 15301
 

Thursday, August 11, 2016 – 6 p.m.

Greensburg Garden & Civic Center

951 Old Rd

Greensburg, PA 15601
 

Thursday, August 18, 2016 – 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

East Stroudsburg University

Innovation Center Room 336

562 Independence Road

East Stroudsburg, PA  18301

The upcoming dates are in addition to July hearings that were held in Berks, Erie and Butler counties.

Rate Increase Request

On June 9, 2016, the PUC voted to investigate the distribution rate increase requests for the FirstEnergy Companies operating in Pennsylvania, which proposed a cumulative increase of $439 million in annual rates.

The Commission voted 4-0 to investigate the requests, which have been suspended for up to seven months to determine what, if any, of the requested increases are justified. The Commission must issue a final decision by Jan. 27, 2017. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

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.

Offering Comment at a Hearing

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments. Their testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision.

The PUC and Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate, including:

·       Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.

·       Bring copies if you are attending an in-person hearing.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.

·       Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

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-2016-2537349

                     R-2016-2537352

                     R-2016-2537355

                     R-2016-2537359
 

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov