Press Release

PUC Hosts Thursday Hearing on Alternative Utility Ratemaking Methods

Published on 3/1/2016

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will hold a Harrisburg hearing this Thursday, March 3, to gather information from experts regarding alternative ratemaking methodologies.

Ratemaking alternatives, such as revenue decoupling, could involve making consumer charges less dependent on usage. Decoupling advocates suggest that decoupling removes possible disincentives for greater energy efficiency because utility revenues are no longer directly linked to the volume of electricity or gas sold.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on March 3, in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, Harrisburg and will continue until 12:30 p.m. The agenda for the hearing, along with links to submitted testimony and presentations, are available on the PUC website. The hearing is open to the public and will also be streamed live on the Commission’s website for those unable to attend in person.

The hearing will focus on several issues:

• Whether revenue decoupling or other similar rate mechanisms encourage utilities to better implement energy efficiency and conservation programs;
• Whether such rate mechanisms are just and reasonable and in the public interest; and
• Whether the benefits of implementing such rate mechanisms outweigh any costs associated with implementing the rate mechanisms. 

The Commission selected hearing participants representing a diverse set of perspectives to present testimony and answer questions. Additionally, all interested parties are welcome to submit written comments following the hearing, which must be received no later than March 16, 2016, for the Commission to consider in their review of alternative ratemaking.

A Secretarial Letter provides more details regarding the hearing and instructions for interested parties. Questions about the hearing should be directed to the Office of Communications at (717) 787-5722.

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.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No.: M-2015-2518883

Contact:

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