Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement Designed to Improve the Competitive Retail Electric Market in the PPL Service Territory

Published on 11/19/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement designed to create a voluntary program that will improve the competitive retail electric market in the PPL Electric Utilities Inc. service territory.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the settlement which creates a voluntary purchase of receivables program and merchant function charge. Commission Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy issued a statement.

The settlement was reached among the company, Office of Consumer Advocate, Office of Small Business Advocate, PUC Office of Trial Staff, Constellation New Energy, FirstEnergy Solutions, PPL Industrial Consumer Alliance, Dominion Retail, Direct Energy Services and the Retail Energy Supply Association.

Under the program, PPL will:

• Purchase electric generation supplier (EGS) accounts receivables for residential and small business shopping customers at a discount rate;
• Have the right to terminate customers for non-payment within the guidelines of the Public Utility Code and PUC regulations;
• Allow EGS customers to select budget billing options;

Under the program, participating EGSs will:

• Agree not to reject for enrollment new residential customers based on credit-related issues;
• Agree not to require a deposit for service for residential customers;

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

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Docket No. P-2009-2129502

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