News Stories
Sponsored by Earth Etch. Regulatory insight and compliance solutions for today’s energy markets.
Evidentiary Hearing Scheduled in Utility’s Default Service Plan
On July 16, 2026, the Pennsylvania PUC issued a notice of an in-person evidentiary hearing regarding Pike County Light & Power (PCL&P) petition to approve a new default service plan covering 6/1/27-6/31/30.
On July 14, 2026 an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) issued a scheduling order that memorializes the procedural matters discussed and agreed upon by the parties during the July 13, 2026 prehearing conference, including the established litigation schedule.
Previously on July 10, 2026, OCA filed an answer to Pike’s petition for approval of a default service plan. The OCA supports Pike’s continued use of financial hedging to reduce electricity price volatility but will evaluate its proposed procurement changes, including purchasing power directly from the NYISO or continuing with its current supplier under certain conditions. The OCA will also review Pike’s proposed changes to its default service rate mechanism, including quarterly reconciliations, an increase in the recovery cap from 2¢/kWh to 5¢/kWh, and more frequent rate adjustments, to determine whether they improve cost recovery while maintaining price stability for customers. In addition, the OCA will examine Pike’s proposed supplier tariff updates, four-year smart meter deployment plan and associated surcharge, and its continued approach to meeting Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards.
