Press Release

PUC Continues Review of Wholesale Electricity Markets During Meetings with FERC Commissioner Spitzer

Published on 12/3/2008

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The five Commissioners of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today held meetings with Commissioner Marc Spitzer of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as part of the PUC’s ongoing review of wholesale electricity markets.

The Commission welcomed the opportunities to meet with Commissioner Spitzer and looks forward to continuing to work with him and FERC as a whole as the evaluation of the current wholesale market and its impact on Pennsylvania moves forward.

“It’s great to come back to my home state of Pennsylvania to meet with the five PUC commissioners,” said FERC Commissioner Marc Spitzer.  “We discussed the general challenges we all face in the energy industry, which is important since we have mutual constituents – the ratepayers of Pennsylvania.”

“We are looking to forge a better and stronger working relationship with FERC and other entities who oversee the wholesale market issues that affect Pennsylvania’s consumers and utilities so critically,” said PUC Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner. 

The PUC Commissioners have presided over two special en banc hearings on the current and future wholesale electricity markets this fall.  A third hearing will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 12:30 p.m. in Hearing Room 1, Keystone Building, 400 North St., Harrisburg.  It is open to the public. 

All testimony and audio from the Oct. 23 and Nov. 6 en banc hearings can be accessed by visiting the PUC Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.  Under the Electricity tab, select Issues, Wholesale Energy Markets. 

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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Contact:

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