Press Release

Utilities Request Extra Time to Print Customer Information Materials

    Harrisburg, Pa., August 13 ¾ The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today extended by two weeks the customer notification period for the electric choice phase-in, thereby granting utilities additional time to compile shopping credit information in customer packets and to print the packets.

    Under today’s action, customers who enrolled with their electric distribution company (EDC) will now be notified by the EDC between August 28 and September 25 of their status and whether they will be able to participate in 1999. The original dates were August 14–28.

    Under the phase-in rules, if fewer than 66 percent of customers are enrolled by August 28, then enrollment will remain open until the cap is reached. However, if more than 66 percent of customers are enrolled, then enrollment closes. In that case, the first 33 percent, along with current pilot program participants, are guaranteed participation in the program. The second 33 percent will be selected randomly in a lottery.

    Once customers are successfully enrolled, they will receive the information packet from their EDC, with information on how to select a supplier. The packet will also include a list of licensed suppliers serving their area, as well as a shopping credit, which customers will use to compare prices.

    Beginning September 1, customers can select their generation supplier. They have until November 1 to select an electric supplier to start receiving benefits with their January 1999 bill. To date, more than 1.75 million customers have enrolled in the electric choice program. For more information, visit the ElectriChoice web site at www.electrichoice.com.

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