Press Release

PUC Reminds Consumers About Upcoming Public Input Hearings for Proposed Default Service Plans by FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Companies

Published on 3/9/2018

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two public input hearings to gather comments on the proposed default service plans for the FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Companies (FirstEnergy) – including Pennsylvania Power Company (Penn Power), Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed) and West Penn Power Company (West Penn Power).

The hearings, conducted by Administrative Law Judge Mary D. Long, will be held at the following location and times:

Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – 1 p.m. & 6 p.m.
H.O. Hirt Auditorium
160 East Front Street
Erie, PA  16507

On Dec. 11, 2017, FirstEnergy filed a joint petition with the PUC for consideration of the four companies’ default service implementation plans.  The proposed plans would cover default service provided from June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2023.  The companies’ current default service prices expire on May 31, 2019.

The 1996 electric competition law requires electric companies, or a Commission approved alternative supplier, to provide default electric generation service to customers who have not selected an alternative generation supplier.  This is commonly called default service or provider of last resort service (POLR).  The default service prices for electric generation service are required to reflect “least cost to customers over time,” according to the law.

 Offering Comment at a Hearing

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments. Their testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision.

The PUC and Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate, including:

• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.

• Bring copies if you are attending an in-person hearing.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.

• Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

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 Nos.:
P-2017-2637855
P-2017-2637857
 P-2017-2637858
 P-2017-2637866

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov