On August 10, Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille issued a letter seeking comment about the PUC’s current moratorium on utility terminations, and asking for input regarding protections for at-risk consumers, should the PUC’s moratorium on all utility terminations be lifted.

At the last two PUC meetings, efforts to end the moratorium by Republicans on the Commission were defeated by a tie vote.  There is one vacancy on the PUC.

In seeking comment from concerned individuals and organizations, Chairman Dutrieuille notes the importance of safeguarding consumers AND ensuring safe and reliable utility service as Pennsylvania continues to focus on slowing the spread of COVID-19 and economic recovery.

“While it would be easy to simply keep the absolute moratorium in place, protecting 100 percent of the customers for the duration, I do not believe that is sustainable.  Eventually, lack of payment to utilities could reach a critical mass where the provision of safe and reliable public utility service could be impacted.”

How to Comment

Comments must be both eFiled – using an eFiling account through the Commission’s website - and emailed directly with the Secretary of the Commission at rchiavetta@pa.gov – referencing PUC docket number M-2020-3019244.

Comments must be received by the close of business (4:30 p.m. EDT) on August.18, 2020, in order to be considered.

Next Steps

As noted in the letter, Chairman Dutrieuille intends to address the termination moratorium at the PUC’s August 27 public meeting – underscoring the importance of receiving timely comment from concerned parties.

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[Posted: August 11, 2020]

8/17/2020