Press Release

PUC Reinstates Pike County Program to Help Low Income Families with Bills

Published on 4/6/2006

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG, Pa - Because a growing number of Pike County Light & Power consumers are seeking help with their bills, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reinstated Pike County Light & Power's Low Income Pilot Program.

"Pike County consumers are faced with unprecedented increases in their electric bills that has left many families seeking help in paying their bills," said Commissioner Bill Shane. "Restoring the Low Income Pilot Program will help needy families by providing an opportunity to have their arrearages forgiven."

"The spike in electric prices in Pike County has left many low-income families who had been struggling to get by unable to make ends meet," said Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland. "Reinstating this program takes the steps necessary to allow those who are in need to get the help they need."

The Commission voted 5-0 to rescind a 2004 order that discontinued the program. Accordingly, the Commission directed Pike County Light & Power to immediately reinstitute the program as an arrearage forgiveness only program. The Commission also directed the company to continue providing assistance to qualifying Pike consumers through its Neighbor Fund, increasing the benefit by $200 for residential electric customers and by $300 for heat customers. The Neighbor Fund provides crisis grants to customers who are unable to pay their electric bills.

On July 23, 1998, the Commission approved the company's expanded universal service programs to include $7,500 annually to the Low Income Pilot Program, which would be used for arrearage forgiveness and energy conservation measures for qualifying consumers. On June 1, 2004, the Commission approved a company request to discontinue the program due to low response rates, a low number of consumers applying for LIHEAP and a low number of consumers seeking payment arrangements.

The Commission is continuing with its fact-finding inquiry into the competitive electric market in Pike County. The Commission is seeking ways to attract more and lower-cost choices for electric customers and the way power is purchased as well as the short and long-term electric generation supply outlook for the region.

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-00041793

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• Press Secretary
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