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PUC Seeks Public Comment On Proposed Settlement Addressing Widespread Consumer Billing Issues By PPL Electric Utilities
Widespread Consumer Issues Including Missing Bills, Inaccurate Bill Estimates, and Customer Service Shortcomings Sparked Proposed Joint Settlement Between PUC’s Independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement and PPL..
In a Press Release the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced that it voted to seek public comment from customers of PPL Electric Utilities (PPL) and other concerned parties about a proposed settlement that was sparked by consumer billing issues that stretched through much of 2023.
The settlement – which was proposed by the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) and PPL – includes payment of a $1 million civil penalty and PPL’s agreement to absorb more than $16 million in related costs.
“The Commission voted 5-0 today to publish the proposed settlement in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, which will mark the start of a 25-day public comment period regarding the settlement.”
The Commission will carefully review all comments received before issuing a final decision on this case.
Investigation of PPL Billing Issues:
In early 2023, the PUC launched a comprehensive investigation into billing issues impacting PPL customers in response to large numbers of consumer calls and complaints about unusually high or low estimated bills, missing monthly bills, and the lack of adequate customer service support resulting in consumers being unable to reach PPL Call Center representatives to discuss their billing concerns.
The matter was referred to I&E – which enforces the Public Utility Code and PUC’s regulations and has the authority to bring enforcement actions before the Commission.
Opinion and Order from the Commission’s January 18, 2024 Public Meeting re: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement v. PPL Electric Utilities Corporation at Docket M-2023-3038060.
Press Release
Order (01/18/2024)
Chairman Statement (01/18/2024)
Proposed Settlement (01/18/2024)
Letter Concerning Proposed Settlement – Rep Jim Haddock
M-2023-3038060 (11/12/2023)
(Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement v. PPL Electric Utilities Corporation )
