Press Release

PUC Finalizes Intermediate Work Plan as Part of Retail Markets Investigation to Improve Electric Competition

Published on 3/1/2012

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today finalized an intermediate work plan as part of its Retail Electricity Markets Investigation designed to improve the state’s retail electricity market.

The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt the intermediate work plan, which provides a framework for more specific action items pending before the Commission.   

“I strongly believe that the steps taken today will significantly improve the competitiveness of our retail electricity market and enhance the ability of our electric generation suppliers to compete across the state,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson in a statement. 

The intermediate work plan provides recommendations and proposals regarding the:

• Expansion of consumer education to drive electric customers to www.PAPowerSwitch.com, the PUC’s website dedicated to helping consumers shop for electricity, and to increase general awareness of competitive markets and how to shop;
• Initiation of a customer referral program;
• Initiation of a retail opt-in auction program;
• Improving the presentation of the EDCs’ price to compare on customer bills; and
• Increase in coordination between EDCs and EGSs.

The proposal calls for all issues and goals included in the intermediate work plan to be implemented prior to or in conjunction with the expiration of the electric distribution companies’ next round of default service plans.  The Commission will hold an en banc hearing on March 21, 2012, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg to address statewide consumer education, shopping experiences of small and medium business customers and End State default service models.  More details are to be announced.

On Dec. 15, 2011, the Commission sought comments on the intermediate work plan.  Commissioner James H. Cawley issued a statement.

On April 28, 2011, the Commission launched its retail electricity market investigation, which is being conducted in two phases.  The first phase was designed to assess the status of the current retail market and explore what changes need to be made to allow customers to fully realize the benefits of competition.  On July 28, 2011, the Commission directed the Office of Competitive Markets Oversight (OCMO) to hold technical conferences to address intermediate and long-term issues pertaining to the competitive retail electricity market and provide specific proposals for changes to the existing retail market and default service model. This second phase will examine and address how to best resolve the issues raised and implement the prudent changes identified based upon information gathered during the Investigation.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. I-2011-2237952

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