Press Release

PUC Launches Comprehensive Review of Application Procedures

Published on 4/4/2024

Filed under: Electric Gas Motor Carrier Pipeline Rails Telecommunications Transportation and Safety Water and Wastewater

Initiates Agency-Wide Review Aimed at Accelerating Application Processing and Enhancing Efficiencies

HARRISBURG – Today, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) launched a comprehensive review of application procedures aimed at reducing processing times and enhancing efficiencies, aligning with the ongoing efforts of the Shapiro Administration to streamline statewide permitting, licensing, application, and certification procedures.

The Commission voted 4-1 today to adopt a joint motion of Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank and Commissioner Ralph V. Yanora.

“Efficient regulatory review is crucial to both investment in the Commonwealth and the provision of modern, cost-effective regulated services to our citizens.  This Joint Motion recognizes and addresses the Commission’s role in the regulatory review process for complex utility and economic development projects, new applicants seeking to provide public utility service in Pennsylvania, and any other application proceeding that is not subject to regulatory or statutory deadlines.”

Today’s motion directs the various bureaus of the PUC to compile an inventory of application proceedings where regulatory or statutory deadlines do not apply.

Drawing from this inventory, the PUC Office of the Executive Director will analyze current average review times for each bureau, along with the total average processing time – from initial filing to final Commission decision – with the aim of identifying improvements to reduce total average processing time by at least 15%. A report detailing proposed process improvements will be submitted to the Commission for review within six months.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: M-2024-3047172

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov