Press Release

Public Comment Period Opens for Proposed PUC Consumer Protection Rulemaking

Published on 6/2/2026

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

Stakeholders may submit comments through July 29 on proposed updates to utility consumer protection regulations

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced the opening of the public comment period for a proposed rulemaking that would formally incorporate key consumer protection provisions into the Commission’s regulations governing residential utility service.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR), approved by the Commission in February 2026, has now been published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, beginning the formal public comment process.

The proposed rulemaking would amend portions of 52 Pa. Code Chapter 56 to incorporate consumer protection provisions that have guided residential utility service standards for years, providing a clear and consistent regulatory framework for consumers and utilities.

“The publication of this proposed rulemaking marks an important step in the regulatory review process,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “The Commission now looks forward to receiving and reviewing comments submitted by interested parties as we continue evaluating these proposed regulations.”

Submitting Comments

Under the schedule established in the NOPR:

• Initial comments must be filed by July 29, 2026.
• Reply comments must be filed by August 28, 2026.

Comments may be submitted electronically through the PUC’s eFiling system or by mail to the Commission Secretary, as detailed in the Pennsylvania Bulletin publication and the NOPR.

The proposed rulemaking will also be reviewed by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) and the appropriate legislative standing committees as part of Pennsylvania’s regulatory review process.

Additional information regarding the proposed rulemaking, including filing instructions and related documents, is available through the Commission’s website and eDocket system.

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, 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.: L-2025-3058767

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov