Highlighted Projects
PULP is currently engaged in numerous consumer-focused activities, including those listed below. If you would like further information about any of these matters, we welcome you to contact us.
Chapter 56 Rulemaking Process
Chapter 56 of Title 52 of the Pennsylvania Code contains regulations governing how regulated public utility companies conduct residential billing. Chapter 56 has been a model of progressive utility regulation for more than a decade, with states from across the country using it to shape their own regulations.
A proceeding (Docket No. L-00060182) was started in 2008 to update Chapter 56 and to amend it to comply with Chapter 14, the “Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act” (see below). On March 22, 2011, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission submitted its Final Form Regulations for Chapter 56 to legislative oversight committees and to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC). PULP has represented the interests of low-income, residential utility customers throughout the proceeding and will be submitting comments on the final regulations before IRCC meets to act on them on May 19, 2011. Some areas of concern which PULP has identified include:
- The proposed regulations, in the case of medical certificates, create greater payment requirements for individuals whose service is off and who are no longer customers;
- The proposed regulations eliminate the prohibition against the use of pre-paid meters in low- income households;
- The proposed regulations modify the definition of ‘household income’ and no longer exclude all income intended for the use of a minor but instead exclude only wage earnings of a minor or government benefits that are received wholly in the name of a minor.
Universal Service Programs Funding Rulemaking
Pennsylvania law requires public utilities to operate universal service programs to help low-income and lower income Pennsylvanians access and maintain essential utility service.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, at Dockets No. M-00072036 and No. L-00070186, is currently amending its policies and rules for how these programs are funded and for how they will be designed and operated by utilities. PULP is representing the interests of low-income, residential utility customers in this proceeding.
Energy Legislation & Chapter 14
On December 14, 2004, former Governor Rendell signed into law Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code, known as the “Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act.” This law, frequently called “Chapter 14,” has had significant, unintended negative effects, including:
- increased termination levels for low-income families
- increased numbers of families going into the winter months without a safe heating source
- increased difficulty for families who have lost utility service to be able to afford restoration of this service
PULP works continually to educate the public and policymakers about the negative impacts of Chapter 14, and advocates ways to improve the law.
