Press Release

PUC Introduces Rules to Update Regulations on Residential Utility Service Standards

Published on 9/25/2008

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today proposed rules that will update its regulations dealing with residential utility service standards in order to make those regulations consistent with legislative changes regarding how utilities address delinquent residential accounts.

The Commission voted 5-0 to propose the rules that will revise its regulations at 52 Pa. Code Chapter 56, to ensure they are consistent with Act 201 of 2004, also known as Chapter 14.   The Commission also will use the opportunity to address other issues with Chapter 56 including updates needed due to technological advances such as electronic billing and payments, e-mail and the Internet.

The proposed rulemaking addresses provisions such as:

• Billing information, including transfer of accounts and electronic bill payments;
• Security and cash deposits;
• Interruption and discontinuance of service
• Disputes, termination disputes, informal and formal complaints; and
• Public information procedures and record maintenance.

Chapter 14 seeks to eliminate opportunities for customers capable of paying their utility bills to avoid payment, and to provide utilities with the means to reduce their uncollectable accounts.  The law changed the way regulated electric, water and major natural gas utilities handle cash deposits; reconnection of service; termination of service; payment arrangements; and the filing of termination complaints by residential customers.

Chapter 56 established and enforced uniform, fair and equitable residential utility service standards governing eligibility criteria, credit and deposit practices, account billing, termination and customer complaint procedures.

The notice of advance rulemaking was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin after an Order was issued at the Public Meeting of Nov. 30, 2006.  Comments on the advance rulemaking were received from the industry, consumer groups, and advocates.  The notice of proposed rulemaking will now be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.  Interested parties have 60 days from publication to submit written comments on the proposed rulemaking, including an original and 15 copies to:

            Secretary, PA Public Utility Commission

            P.O. Box 3265

            Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265

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.  I-00060182

Contact:

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