FirstEnergy PA Utilities File Plan To Purchase Electric Generation Supply Beginning In 2011

FirstEnergy's Metropolitan Edison and Pennsylvania Electric companies have filed plans with the Public Utility Commission to procure electric generation supply beginning January 2011 for customers who choose not to shop with alternative suppliers.

 

The companies, which do not own any electric generating plants, serve 1.1 million customers in Pennsylvania.

 

The utilities will seek generation supply bids to ensure customers have a secure supply of power when current rate caps end on December 31, 2010.

 

The procurement process will be managed by NERA, a global consulting firm with expertise in energy markets. NERA will conduct multiple bidding solicitations at various times in 2010 through March 2012, with generation prices calculated based on a blended average by customers' class. The process will ensure the confidentiality of information provided by bidders, who will be required to certify that they are creditworthy, acting independently of other bidders, and are making firm offers to provide generation service to customers.

 

The companies also have filed plans for meeting state-mandated alternative energy standards and a separate bidding process is planned in order to meet the solar energy requirements.

 

Information about the filing and the procurement program will be available on the Metropolitan Edison and Pennsylvania Electric websites.

 

The companies expect the PUC will rule on the application later this year.