The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on complaints filed against Pike County Light & Power over dramatic rate increases and billing disputes.

In October 2005, PCL’s electric rate caps can off and were required to go to the regional electric market to buy power for their customers. Purchasing power via an auction led to about a 129 percent rate increase for electric customers, later reduced to 70 percent by further action by the PUC. (PaED 5/5/06)

Administrative Law Judge Ember S. Jandebeur will conduct the hearings at: 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. October 4 in Matamoras, Pa.

More than 45 businesses, residents and local government agencies have filed complaints against the PCLP with the PUC about the company’s electric service and rates.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments. Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decision in the case.

Instructions for the hearing and the full announcement are online.

9/22/2006