Press Release

PUC Directs PECO to Develop Electronic Data Exchange Capability to Enhance Electric Competition in its Service Territory

Published on 6/3/2010

Filed under: Electric

     HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today directed PECO to enhance its capability to electronically exchange customer usage data with electric generation suppliers (EGSs) that are licensed to offer retail generation services to PECO customers.  

     By receiving this information electronically, EGSs will be able to provide PECO’s customers with competitive offers for electric generation supplies in a more timely and efficient manner. Today’s action will ultimately give PECO’s customers better information to select an electric supplier in the competitive electric supply market.  PECO and the Commission will seek to increase customer interest in shopping prior to the expiration of PECO’s rate caps.

     The Commission voted 3-1 to direct PECO to work with the Commission’s Electronic Data Exchange Working Group (EDEWG) to develop standardized customer data interchange transactions that enable sharing of customer historical usage information with EGSs by Nov. 1, 2010, and for PECO to implement these transactions no later than Jan. 1, 2011, concurrent with the scheduled expiration of PECO’s rate caps on Dec. 31, 2010.  Chairman James H. Cawley issued a statement, and Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy issued a dissenting statement. 

     EDEWG is comprised of representatives of EGSs and the electric distribution utilities (EDCs) across Pennsylvania and has been working on standards for all EDCs.     Except for customers that have elected to keep their account information confidential, the new transactions will provide necessary customer account information such as hourly interval usage, transmission and generation peak load contribution, and meter read cycle information.

     PECO is one of the largest EDCs in the Commonwealth.

     In addition to enhancing PECO’s electronic data exchange capabilities, the Commission also streamlined PECO’s process of granting access to customer data for licensed EGSs. 

     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. – M-2009-2123944

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