Press Release

HARRISBURG (Sept. 10) -- Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Glen R. Thomas today welcomed an international delegation from Andhra Pradesh, India, the latest of 110 delegations from 59 countries that have journeyed to Pennsylvania to learn more about the success of Electric Choice.

The Indian delegation, led by Chairman G.P. Rao, is part of an exchange program between the PUC and the Electricity Regulatory Commission of the State of Andhra Pradesh. The delegation arrived here late last week and concludes its visit on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

"Pennsylvania has the opportunity and the good fortune to host Chairman Rao’s delegation from India to learn how the PUC operates and what Pennsylvania has done to make our electric and natural gas markets competitive," Chairman Thomas said. "These visits also are an opportunity for us to learn from our visitors as well. We thank them for the opportunity to teach and to learn, and for the friendship and hospitality they have shown us in their country as well."

In October 2000, PUC Commissioner Aaron Wilson led a Pennsylvania delegation to Dehli and Hyderabad, India. The visits have focused on decision making and operations, as well as utility restructuring.

Pennsylvania has the No. 1-in-the-nation electric-competition program and is the only state deregulating electricity, natural gas and telephone utilities.

"Visits like this one are more proof that the eyes of the entire world are on Pennsylvania," Chairman Thomas said. "Delegations like this one are eager to learn about the collaborative process that brought government, utilities, consumers and environmentalists together to develop legislation that led to Utility Choice. They’re looking at the PUC to show them how it’s done, and we are more than happy to share the Pennsylvania experience.

"Our partnership reflects well not only on Pennsylvania, but contributes to the emerging partnership between the United States and India."

Chairman Thomas noted that the U.S. Energy Association has been instrumental in facilitating the exchange.

The PUC is charged with ensuring Pennsylvania consumers have access to safe and reliable electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service -- and to serve as stewards of competition.