Press Release

PUC Considers Re-Bid for Duquesne Light on Fixed Price Service for Commercial, Industrial Customers with New Parameters

Published on 4/20/2006

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today issued a tentative order that would establish new guidelines under which Duquesne Light Co. may re-bid provider of last resort service for its large commercial and industrial customers receiving fixed price service.

“There are many reasons why I believe this would be reasonable and in the public interest,” said Commissioner Bill Shane in a motion. “The vast majority, over 90 percent, of the affected customers are currently being served by competitive Electric Generation Suppliers. However, 86 customers obtain default service from Duquesne through fixed or hourly prices. This indicates to me that perhaps the industrial intervenors may be correct in that some customers might not be attractive to the competitive suppliers.”

Vice Chairman James Cawley offered an amendment to the motion that called for the company to post contact information about the companies using default service on the company’s website.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the motion and amendment and establish new parameters for the company to re-bid the service including restrictions on the percentage of the load to be bid and allowing affiliates of Duquesne Light to participate in the process. The service for its large commercial and industrial customers is for one year of service beginning June 1, 2006.

During its initial requests for proposals to provide supply for its large commercial and industrial customers, Duquesne received no bids from wholesale suppliers. By default, only hourly priced service was to be available to large commercial and industrial customers for that supply period. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. P-00032071

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