Press Release

PUC Establishes Working Group to Examine Statewide Coordination of Universal Service Programs

Published on 5/14/2009

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today established a Universal Service Coordination Working Group to develop recommendations to coordinate residential universal services under the Commission’s jurisdiction with other state programs.

“This is a vital step toward effectively coordinating the residential universal service programs under the Commission’s jurisdiction and coordinating these programs with other state programs,” said Commission Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy and Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner in a motion. “At present, there is little coordination among these universal service programs.  While this lack of coordination may not have interfered with the management of individual programs, it may have resulted in eligible households missing opportunities to receive comprehensive services necessary to ensure the continuation of affordable utility service.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to establish the working group with the goal of coordinating universal service programs and making recommendations on the feasibility of integrating these programs to establish a statewide network of all utility assistance programs.

The working group is to be comprised of representatives from the natural gas, electric and telecommunications industries that have expertise in providing universal service to eligible customers.  Representatives from the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Public Welfare also will be invited to participate as well as the Office of Consumer Advocate, nonprofit associations and representatives of other consumer organizations.

Each of the state’s major electric distribution companies and natural gas distribution companies are required to have universal service programs, which are designed to help ensure that all customers have access to utility service no matter what their income. Programs include the Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP), Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES) and Hardship Funds. Telephone assistance programs include Lifeline and Link Up.

In addition to the utility-based programs under the Commission’s jurisdiction, federal assistance programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and weatherization programs are administered by other state agencies.

The Commission said that given the current economic climate, the state’s mandates under Act 129 of 2008 and expanded funding available under the federal American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009, there is a further impetus for more effective coordination of utility and non-utility programs. The initial working group meeting is to be held no later than 60 days after the Commission’s order is entered. Final recommendations are to be submitted by Dec. 15, 2009.

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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