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House Committee Hears Overview Of Issues Affecting PUC

The House Consumer Affairs Committee this week heard a presentation by the new Chair of the Public Utility Commission Robert Powelson on important issues facing the Commission in the areas of competitive electricity markets, developing of the Marcellus Shale natural gas play, pipeline safety, aging utility infrastructure and the reorganization of the PUC.
            On electric deregulation, Chairman Powelson said more than 900,000 Pennsylvanians have switched to a competitive electricity supplier, but "we still have a long way to go" in promoting electric competition.
            Chairman Powelson said the state needs additional authority to regulate the safety of pipelines, particularly those used in the Marcellus Shale industry.  He recommended passing House Bill 344 (Baker-R-Tioga) or Senate Bill 325 (Baker-R-Luzerne) to provide the needed authority.
            The Chairman also supported passage of distribution systems improvement charge legislation for the natural gas industry-- House Bill 744 (Solobay-D-Washington) of last session.
            Rep. Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Rep. Joseph Preston (D-Allegheny) serves as Minority Chair.


3/14/2011

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