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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Bob Freeman
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Freeman, Northeast Delegation ask PPL to reconsider rate hike request
HARRISBURG, March 18 – State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, recently joined members of the Northeast Delegation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to ask PPL to reconsider its plans to seek a distribution rate increase.
"Particularly during this time, when we are struggling out of the national economic slump, it is important for businesses that provide these vital services to residents to use restraint when thinking of increasing fees," Freeman said. "This fee would be on top of the current rate increase, another hit to hardworking people who are just trying to stay afloat financially."
Freeman said the delegation sent a letter to PPL outlining its concerns regarding the distribution rate increase.
"This increase will affect all PPL customers, even if they use an alternative supplier for electric generation," Freeman said.
In the letter, lawmakers noted that the current distribution charge generates roughly $700 million annually to pay for maintenance and replacement of poles, wires and other components, and questioned why an additional $115 million a year is needed right now.
"As we stated in the letter, we have considerable concerns with their rate hike request, particularly if the current revenue level covers expenses to maintain services adequately," Freeman said.
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