Pennsylvania PUC seeks stakeholder comment on alternative rate design
The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued an order last week seeking additional comment from stakeholders on the benefits or drawbacks of alternative rate methodologies, as part of an ongoing study on the issue.
The PUC order included questions related to specific industry sectors including natural gas, electric, water and wastewater utilities. PUC is also seeking comment on how best to proceed and whether legislation, regulations or a policy statement would be most effective. The commissioners approved the tentative order 5-0.
Prior to this order, PUC reviewed testimony and comments from various stakeholders, including utilities, consumer and business advocates, citizens’ groups, environmental organizations, trade and industrial associations, and other concerned parties during a March 2016 hearing on whether alternative rate design could help utilities balance declining demand with energy efficiency and conservation programs.
Nearly all parties agreed that the issue is complicated and that no one solution would be right for all utilities. PUC noted that some utilities in Pennsylvania have already implemented alternative rate structures.
The Commission is accepting comments for the next 45 days and rely comments for the next 75 days electronically or by mail. All comments must reference PUC Docket Number M-2015-2518883.
