The House Consumer Affairs Committee will hold a hearing March 20 on variable rate electric plan in response to thousands of complaints by individuals who entered into variable rate contracts with their electric generation supplier and experienced skyrocketing electric rates during recent periods of cold winter weather.

“Legislation is being drafted to require all supplier contracts to contain specific, easy to understand information,” said Rep. Bob Godshall (R-Montgomery), Majority Chair of the Committee.  “The bill would also cap the amount a variable rate may change, prohibit cancellation and early termination fees, require the posting of current and historic rates on the PA Power Switch website and reduce the time it takes to switch electric generation suppliers.”

The hearing will be held in Room 140 Main Capitol starting at 9:15.

Rep. Peter Daley (D-Washington) serves as Minority Chair.

NewsClips:

Complaints Grow About High Electric Bills

Electric Bill Spike Stirs Lawmakers

Spike In Electricity Bills Triggers Action From AG, Frustration In York

Could Electric Price Spikes Recur?  Analyst Says Yes

Electric Customers Held Hostage To High Rates

Editorial: PUC Shrugs At Licenses To Gouge

Editorial: Keep Choice In Electric Choice Program

Mensch Drops Controversial Default Electricity Bill

Lawmaker Revising Electric Shift Plan

3/10/2014