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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Ron Buxton
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For many electricity customers in Pennsylvania, rate caps placed on PPL's electric generating rates were lifted as of Jan 1. This means higher utility costs -- something most consumers cannot afford in today's economy. Therefore, I would like to make sure you are well-informed as to your options as a consumer, but first explain how we got to this point.
A law passed in 1996 deregulated the supply of electricity in Pennsylvania with the goal of creating competition and driving down prices. The deregulation law capped rates at 1996 levels for a number of years while utilities recovered their infrastructure costs prior to the transition. Those are the caps that have been eliminated.
The good news is that the deregulation law allows consumers to choose which company generates the electricity they use. I want you to know there are options for ensuring that your electric bills won't produce a shock to the system. PPL has posted information on its Web site regarding alternatives to using the company as your electric supplier.
Shopping around for a new electric supplier could save you money. The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate provides a shopping guide to assist you with the process, and can answer any questions you might have along the way. The phone number is 1-800-684-6560. Here is direct contact information for main competitors in Pennsylvania:
Dominion 1-888-216-3721 www.dom.com/products
Direct Energy 1-888-734-0741 www.directenergy.com
PPL Electric Utilities 1-888-668-4775 www.pplelectric.com
If you decide to switch suppliers, as I did, contact the new supplier and they'll send you a new contract. That supplier will, in turn, contact your current supplier to start the enrollment process. You may receive a notice from the current supplier confirming your change.
If you choose an alternative supplier, you will continue to receive your monthly electric bill from PPL, which will contain all charges. While a new company will be generating the electricity you use, PPL will continue to serve as the company that distributes the electricity to your home, maintains power lines, provides customer service and responds to emergencies.
In the meantime, you can perform your own home energy audit. An energy audit evaluates a home's energy use. It calculates how much energy is used, how efficiently it is used and suggests ways to make a home more energy efficient. An audit can reveal potential savings totaling hundreds of dollars. More information on how to conserve energy and save money is available through the state's Turn Down, Seal Off, Save Up initiative: www.turnsealsave.org.
And if I may be of further assistance to you on this or any state-related issue please contact one of my offices at 783-9342 or 986-1673.