Press Release

PUC Finalizes Updated Regulations for Commission Procedures and Formal Proceedings

Published on 10/1/2026

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

Adopts Final Form Regulations to modernize sections of the Public Utility Code and streamline practice before the PUC

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a Final Rulemaking Order geared toward modernizing and clarifying sections of PUC regulations related to practice before the Commission, updating those procedures for the first time in 20 years.

The Commission voted 3-1 to adopt a motion by PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank and approve the Final Order, which updates Chapters 1, 3 and 5 of the PUC Regulations (Title 52) related to practicing before the Commission, special provisions, and formal proceedings.  In his motion, Chairman DeFrank thanked stakeholders for their input throughout the collaborative process and PUC staff for their diligent work on this rulemaking.

“The Final Rulemaking Order serves as a necessary update to incorporate technological advancements into our regulations and improve the efficiency of administrative hearings and proceedings before the Commission,” said Chairman DeFrank.

Administrative Procedures Revised

For the first time since 2006, the Commission revises its procedural rules in order to provide fair, clear, and relevant guidance for those who practice and participate in proceedings before the Commission. 

The updates are intended to address changes in the PUC’s processes, explore technological innovations, modernize and streamline procedures, and bring increased efficiency to PUC administrative hearings and proceedings.  The adopted revisions range from PUC forms and filing specifications to emergency orders and procedures to the use of new technologies during the Commission’s public meetings, hearings, and other sessions.  A complete listing of the revisions is set forth in the Commission’s Order.

Final Reviews and Publication of Today’s Order

The Commission’s Final Rulemaking Order will now be delivered for review to the majority and minority chairs of the Senate Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and the House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee, and to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission for approval – and then submitted to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for review as to form and legality, and to the Governor’s Budget Office for review of fiscal impact, along with the Legislative Reference Bureau to be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Following those reviews, the Final Rulemaking Order will become effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

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-2023-3041347

Contact:

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