The Public Utility Commission Thursday announced the launch of its online “Smart Hearing” pilot project, in an effort to make it easier for utility customers to comment on proposed rate increase requests.
The first test for live-streamed online hearings will involve the proposed distribution rate changes by PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (PPL).
“It is vital to gather as much public input as possible to help the Commission determine what, if any, of each requested increase is justified,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “In situations such as this, where a utility serves consumers across a wide geographic area, we hope this Smart Hearing concept will increase the number of people who are able to view and offer comment during these important public input hearings.”
PPL provides service to more than 1.4 million consumers in 29 counties – a region spanning approximately 10,000 square miles. On April 23, 2015, the Commission voted unanimously to investigate the company’s request for a $167.5 million (18.5 percent) increase in annual electric distribution rates.
The new Smart Hearings will enable residents throughout Pennsylvania to see and hear the testimony being offered without the need to travel in order to attend the hearings in person.
During the Smart Hearings, concerned individuals will be able to offer their comments by telephone, from the convenience of their homes or other locations, to be included in the live Internet stream. In-person testimony at the Harrisburg hearing site also will be included, for those who prefer to comment in that manner.
During the last PPL base rate case, in 2012, the PUC held five public input hearings at locations in the PPL service territory, including Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Bethlehem, Allentown and Harrisburg, but despite that wide outreach effort only 13 total witnesses appeared to offer their testimony.
“We hope that by making these new Smart Hearings available online, allowing consumers across the state to watch and participate, we will be able to gather more valuable input to help guide the Commission,” Brown noted.
Click Here for more information on the PPL rate case.
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