PECO public hearings reminder
PUC seeks comment on rate hike request
HARRISBURG » The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Monday reminded PECO Energy Company (PECO) customers about upcoming public hearings on PECO’s proposed $82 million rate increase request.
A series of five hearings has been scheduled this month in PECO’s service area, conducted by the Public Utility Commission’s Office of Administrative Law Judge.
The hearings are part of the regulatory agency’s process for setting rates for utilities. The first two hearings will be held this week.
During the hearings, evidence in support of the rate increase will be examined and testimony offered. The hearings also present an opportunity for consumers to voice their opinions. A recommendation by the Administrative Law Judge will then be made to the Public Utility Commission for a vote and final decision by the commissioners.
The commission may approve all, none, or a portion of the request. A final decision by the commission is due by Dec. 28, 2018.
The hearings are scheduled for the following times and locations:
Wednesday, June 6
• 6 p.m.: Large auditorium at Delaware County Community College, 901 S. Media Line Road, Marple Township
Thursday, June 7
• 6 p.m.: Worcester Township Community Hall, 1031 S. Valley Forge Road, Worcester Township
Tuesday, June 12
• 6 p.m.: Zlock Performing Arts
Center, Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown
Thursday, June 14
• 10 a.m.: Betsy Ross Conference Room, 801 Market Street 6th Floor, Philadelphia
• 6 p.m.: Kingdom Life Christian Center, 6325
Frankford Ave. Philadelphia
••• PECO filed a request with the Public Utility Commission March 29 for an $82 million — or 2.2 percent — increase in the rates it charges customers for the delivery of electricity. If approved as filed, the average total monthly bill for a residential customer using 700 kilowatt hours would increase from $102.65 to $105.93 per month — or 3.2 percent.
In April, the commission
voted to investigate PECO’s request, which suspended the increase for up to seven months from the time the rate would have otherwise become effective. PECO’s requested effective date was May 28.
The Public Utility Commission and the Office of Consumer Advocate have offered tips on how consumers can participate in the hearings, 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.
• Understand that parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.
Headquartered in Philadelphia, PECO delivers energy to more than 1.6 million electric customers and more than 516,000 natural gas customers in southeastern, Pennsylvania.