Ciresi: Montco residents can offer input on impact of PECO’s proposed rate hikes at Limerick Township PUC hearing

Southeast Delegation    June 20, 2024 | 3:15 PM

HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has scheduled an additional in-person public input hearing in Montgomery County that he had requested so more PECO Energy Company customers can offer input on the company’s proposed rate increases for electric and natural gas distribution services.

The Limerick Township in-person hearing has been scheduled for:

  • Thursday, June 27 – Limerick Township, Montgomery County
    Hearing starts at 6 p.m.
    Limerick Township Building
    646 W. Ridge Pike
    Limerick, PA 19468

If the rate increase request is fully approved, the total monthly bill for a residential electric customer using 700 kWh would increase $16.67 from $135.85 to $152.52 (12.3%) in 2025 and by an additional $2.70 in 2026. For natural gas customers, the proposed increase would result in an increase from $97.98 to $114.13 per month (16.5%) for customers using Ccf per month. The increases would generate an additional $464 million, including a one-time credit of $64 million that would reduce the increase for 2025 from electric rates and $111 million from natural gas rates.

In April 2024, the PUC voted to suspend and investigate proposed rate increases by PECO Energy Company for both electric and natural gas distribution services. The hearing in Limerick will be part of their investigation into the impact of the rate hikes.

“I am very glad that the PUC in its role as a regulatory agency approved my request to hold an in-person hearing in Montgomery County, right here in Limerick Township,” Ciresi said. “These rate increases will have a definite impact on our residents, particularly seniors who live on fixed incomes. Affordable gas and electricity are critical to our residents’ quality of life. Thanks to this additional hearing, my constituents and PECO’s customers throughout Montgomery County will have a chance to have their voices heard about the proposed rate hikes.”

The PUC held hearings in Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia counties, as well as by telephone, earlier this month. A final PUC decision on PECO’s rate increase requests is due by Dec. 27, 2024.

Attending the Hearing

Pre-registration is not required to testify at an in-person public input hearing. There will be a sign-up sheet in the hearing room.

Requests for Interpreters

Those who require an interpreter should contact the Office of Administrative Law Judge as soon as possible to avoid time constraints. Every reasonable effort will be made to have one present.

Hearing Exhibits

Hearing exhibits should be emailed to OALJ at sdelvillar@pa.gov. The OALJ will forward the exhibits to the judges and all parties. Exhibits for the public input hearing on June 27 must be received by June 26.

Residents with questions should contact the OALJ at 215-560-2105 or sdelvillar@pa.gov.
 

Offering Testimony at a Public Input Hearing

The PUC offers tips on how to participate in a public input hearing, including:

  • Participants should prepare what they plan to say beforehand. Even though it is not required, participants may want to write out a statement, which can be read.
  • Any formal testimony that is offered during the hearing will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision.
  • Understand that parties in the case may want to ask a question to clarify something that is said.