Press Release

PUC to Hold Special Public Hearing on Options to Mitigate Potential Significant Increases in Electricity Prices

Published on 6/20/2006

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will hold a special public  hearing Thursday to discuss the issues and possible policy action that would mitigate potential future significant increases in electricity prices.

            The hearing will begin at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2006, in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120. The Commissioners will preside at the hearing. An Administrative Law Judge manage the course of the hearing.

            The hearing will consist of four panels who will present testimony from the perspective of consumers, utilities, electric generation suppliers and alternative energy interests. Under the informal en banc hearing process, the Commissioners may pose questions to the speakers after their testimony.

             Those scheduled to present testimony include:

Office of Consumer Advocate

Office of Small Business Advocate

Allegheny County

PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.

Industrial Energy Consumers of PA

PennFuture

United States Steel Corporation

Edison Electric Institute

Energy Association of Pennsylvania

Allegheny Power

Duquesne Light Company

PECO Energy Company

PPL Electric Utilities Corp.

Constellation NewEnergy, Inc.

Direct Energy Services, LLC

Electric Power Generation Assoc.

Hess Corporation

National Energy Marketers Assoc.

Retail Energy Supply Assoc.

Reliant Energy Inc.

Strategic Energy, LLC

PA Dept. of Environmental Protection

TBG Consulting

Citizen Power

Customized Energy Solutions, Ltd. 

PV NOW

              Any questions should be directed to Shane Rooney at (717) 787-2871.  For logistical or media related questions contact Jennifer Kocher at (717) 787-5722.

             On May 19, 2006, the Commission began a process that may lead to the development of policies to mitigate higher electricity prices. More than 30 parties filed comments with the Commission regarding ideas to assist in addressing potential significant price increases. Thursday’s hearing also is part of that process. The Commission may use the information gathered during this process as a basis for action.

            Most Pennsylvania electricity consumers are paying capped generation rates and will continue to do so until the end of 2009 or 2010. Recent events in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware have shown that consumers of electricity can be exposed to sudden dramatic price increases when long-term generation caps expire. The long-term caps were agreed upon during state restructuring proceedings.

         The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvaniaconsumers, 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. M-00061957

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722