public-utility-commission

PJM, which coordinates the flow of electricity from power generators to utility companies in 13 states and the District of Columbia, is facing complaints about how it ensures it will have enough capacity to keep the electricity flowing during a winter storm or summer heat wave. (Photo by fhm/Getty Images)

Energy price changes coming on Dec. 1, PUC reports

BY: - November 29, 2023

The rate changes taking effect next month include all PUC-regulated electric utilities and vary depending on the energy distribution company. 

Pa. PUC to evaluate settlement with PPL over electric billing issues that affected thousands of customers

BY: - November 22, 2023

The proposed settlement, which includes payment of a $1 million civil penalty and PPL’s agreement to absorb more than $16 million in related costs, is a joint effort between PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement and PPL, and has been submitted for review and consideration by the PUC Commissioners, who will make a final determination on the proposal. 

COMMENTARY

PPL’s problem proves it, electricity shopping isn’t in consumers’ best interest | Ray E. Landis

BY: - February 26, 2023

Pennsylvania’s electric deregulation law has again let down consumers. Here's how.

PUC launches investigation into PPL Electric over ‘unusually high bills’

BY: - January 31, 2023

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced Tuesday that it referred PPL to its Independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, which enforces state public utility codes and PUC regulations, for investigation after receiving complaints from PPL customers. 

Utility Commission fines Peoples Gas $195,000 for 2019 gas leak in Moon

BY: - August 6, 2022

Peoples Gas faces a $195,000 civil penalty from a gas leak three years ago that left hundreds of Moon residents without service amid chilly winter temperatures.

New area code coming to Lehigh Valley, suburban Philadelphia

BY: - December 7, 2021

Make room 610 and 484. A new area code is in the works for the Lehigh Valley and suburban Philadelphia counties. Area code 835 is expected to make its debut in 2023, according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. The impacted areas include Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Delaware and Chester counties, along with a portion of […]

Municipalities want to limit carbon emissions. Pa. utilities want to preempt them

BY: - November 26, 2021

Nineteen states have passed legislation banning local governments from regulating utilities within their borders.

COMMENTARY

House, Senate GOP stymie Wolf on climate change, hold up key appointments | Monday Morning Coffee

BY: - April 26, 2021

Republicans are setting a 'reckless precedent,' by holding up appointments to a key state agency, the Wolf administration says.

COMMENTARY

Report: Black, Latino Pa. residents more likely to fall behind on utility bills, face shut-offs | Friday Morning Coffee

BY: - March 26, 2021

"Many of these same communities were hardest hit by COVID-19 in the early months of the pandemic, experiencing both health issues at a much higher rate and also being more likely to lose their jobs and income," advocates warn.

COMMENTARY

Pa. once had a near-miss with Texas-sized deregulation. We have to remember our history and be on guard | Ray E. Landis

BY: - February 25, 2021

We need to support and bolster the efforts of our Consumer Advocate in protecting Pennsylvanians from the excesses of the energy industry.

PUC moves forward on diversity reporting, advocates say there’s more work to be done

BY: - December 26, 2020

If also endorsed by the state Attorney General’s Office and several other state agencies, utilities such as those providing electric, natural gas, water, wastewater and telecommunications services will be mandated to report their diversity programs and efforts internally. 

COMMENTARY

This Pa. law on utility shutoffs unfairly impacts Black and Brown people. It must be repealed | Opinion

BY: - August 7, 2020

Describing PGW’s customers as “deadbeats” amid an effort to protect “responsible” customers is a prime example of the kind of dog-whistle that hardly veils disdain for poor Black and Brown people.