Press Release

PUC Approves New Steam Cost Rates for NRG Energy Center Harrisburg LLC

Published on 8/30/2012

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved steam cost rates (SCR) for NRG Energy Center Harrisburg LLC (NRG Energy).

The Commission approved the rates by a vote of 5-0. They are to become effective with service rendered on or after Sept. 1, 2012.

The NRG Energy total steam billing rate (SCR plus base gas cost) will decrease by $3.89 per thousand pounds (Mlb) (28.8 percent) for rate schedule HSW-1 Large customers from $13.49 to $9.60 per Mlb. The total steam billing rate (SCR plus base gas cost) will decrease $2.36 per Mlb (21.6 percent) for rate schedule HSW-2 customers from $10.92 to $8.56 per Mlb.

SCRs are subject to annual reconciliation and audit. Steam generation plants may be fueled by natural gas and oil. By law, the company is permitted to pass fuel costs related to powering the steam generation plant on to customers. The company is not permitted to charge consumers more than what it pays for fuel, but rather must charge a dollar-for-dollar pass through of those costs.

Steam heat providers file for an annual revision to the SCR, which reflects the change in price paid by the utility for fuel, reconciled with under collections or over collections that result from differences in actual sales revenues and actual fuel costs from the prior year. Companies may apply for interim changes to the SCR if the existing rate is significantly over or under recovering fuel costs.

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.

###

 Docket Number M-2012-2316762

Contact:

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