Public Utility Commission Wants To Make It Faster To Change Suppliers
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - In response to a frigid winter which saw thousands of customers complain about spikes in rates, the Public Utility Commission says it will fast-track consideration of a rule change to allow people to switch electric suppliers more quickly.
Increasing costs for wholesale electricity have caused some variable rate plans to increase two and three-fold this winter, and spokeswoman Jennifer Kocher says so far this year, more than 12-thousand customers have contacted the PUC to express concerns about high bills…
"And many of whom who have expressed the frustration that they share with the commission over the time that it takes to change suppliers. So with that, we are looking at trying to shorten that period to three days or less."
Currently, it takes 11 to as many as 40 days to change electricity suppliers. Kocher says normally regulation changes take a year or more but the PUC is aiming to have this one in place before next winter. To comment on the proposed change go to www.puc.pa.gov and click "Contact Us".
