Press Release

PUC Approves Universal Service and Energy Conservation Plans for FirstEnergy Companies

Published on 11/6/2008

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved the universal service and energy conservation plans for FirstEnergy companies, including Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed) and Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec).

The Commission voted unanimously to approve the plans submitted by FirstEnergy.  The plans will be in effect for the remainder of 2008 through 2011.

“Each electric distribution company must have customer assistance programs in place,” said PUC Chairman James H. Cawley.  “It is equally important for customers to reach out to their utilities to inquire about programs similar to those offered by Met-Ed and Penelec, which will help low-income customers to restore and maintain service and to reduce their energy usage.”

The FirstEnergy universal service and energy conservation programs offer four major components to help customers maintain electric service.  They include the Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program (PCAP) which provides bill payment for low-income households; the WARM program, which is FirstEnergy’s low-income usage reduction program; the Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Service (CARES) program that helps customers obtain support and assistance from social services organizations; and, the Hardship Fund, which provides grants to help low-income customers and is operated in partnership with the Dollar Energy Fund.

Electric distribution companies are required to submit an updated universal service and energy conservation plan every three years for Commission approval.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-2008-2035360

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov