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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 31, 2014 03:59 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Vincent J. Hughes |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Electric Generating Supplier variable rate and Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation which provides additional consumer protections for those seeking a competitive rate for their electricity service. The deregulation of the electricity industry allows consumers to shop for their own electric generating supplier (EGS). However EGS contracts offering a variable rate have resulted in some confusion and in many cases a significant economic burden upon consumers in my District and the Commonwealth. My legislation would require the PUC to more closely monitor these contracts, strengthen the protections for the universal service customer and create a cause of action for those who have been subjected to unfair practices. The legislation would include the following: An EGS offering a variable rate would not be permitted to contract with a universal service customer so as to preserve the protections already in place for the universal service customer; Any variable rate service contract would have to meet certain stipulations regarding the manner in which the contract is presented to a potential customer; The terms of the contract would be subject to the review of the PUC; And any violation of this legislation would result in penalties in accordance with the Public Utilities code and the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. If you have any questions regarding this legislation please contact Neeka Jones at 7-7112 or at njones@pasenate.com . |
Introduced as SB1328