PA Releases Universal Service Report

The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission has released Report on 2005 Universal Service Programs and Collection Performance of the Pennsylvania Electric Distribution and Natural Gas Distribution Companies.

It is the latest annual summary on the universal service and collection performance of the major electric and natural gas distribution companies. Details are provided on the companies’  universal service programs, which include customer bill assistance plans (called CAPs or customer assistance plans) usage reduction/ energy conservation, arrears forgiveness, and utility hardship or fuel funds, including participation rates, spending levels, program costs, and source of income for participants.

Tables break down spending by program component, i.e., administrative costs, customer credits and arrears forgiveness. The report also details utility hardship funds, listing ratepayer and utility shareholder contributions, number of households served, and average grants received.  It also includes the results of an annual Cold Weather Survey, which tallies properties where heat-related service was terminated and was not reconnected during 2005. The data highlights the number of households that  entered the cold weather season without heat-related service. The primary goal of the survey is to contact customers still residing at properties where service has been terminated and provide them with the opportunity to make payment arrangements to have service reconnected.

Source: PA PUC

Page Last Updated: March 1, 2007