Press Release

    HERSHEY, Pa. – With a proclamation by Gov. Tom Ridge marking June as Electric Choice Month and the onset of summer weather and increased use of air conditioners, Ben Franklin, the Father of Electricity, today encouraged customers to participate in electric choice. By learning how to shop and evaluate offers from electricity suppliers, consumers may be able to save money on their electric bills.

    "There could not be a better time than summertime, when air conditioning usage increases your electric bill, to take the time to learn about the opportunities of electric choice," Franklin said. "Not only can Pennsylvanians today enjoy air conditioning and other conveniences made possible by electricity, they also have the opportunity to shop for and choose an electric supplier. Now that’s what I call an invention."

    Franklin’s call to action came as the National Governor’s Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices held a conference with state policy directors on the restructuring of the electric industry. The conference is focusing on examples of successful state strategies in electric deregulation, with Pennsylvania serving as the model for other states, as they debate the deregulation of their electric industries.

    Also in June, 5 million electric customers will receive a letter from the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, John Quain. Encouraging electric customers to explore the options now available through the Electric Choice Program, the letter will contain an updated list of electric suppliers and price-to-compare information.

    "Electric Choice has changed the way electric service is provided in Pennsylvania," Quain wrote in the letter. "So I encourage you to learn about the program and explore your options."

    The letter will also tell customers the most important thing about Electric Choice: whether a customer chooses a new generation supplier or not, they will continue to have reliable, safe electric service.

    The renewed call to action for the Electric Choice Program comes one year after the launch of the public education campaign to notify customers of their new ability to select their own electric generations supplier. The success of the program is measured in results that include over 90 percent awareness level among consumers and enrollment levels of nearly 2 million. The Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act was signed into law in December 1996. Competition has additional benefits. Customers are expected to save more than $458 million this year due to guaranteed rate cuts.

    Ridge’s proclamation called on all citizens to recognize the benefits of electric choice and educate themselves on the consumer issues and their options regarding an electric generation company.

    For more information about the Electric Choice Program contact 1-888-PUC-FACT (782-3228) or visit the website at www.electrichoice.com. For additional press releases and more information about the PUC, visit our website at http://puc.paonline.com.