Pennsylvania commission would weigh public effects in utility decisions

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission would use the listed factors to decide whether its utility decisions serve the public interest. The commission would include these findings in all decisions about public utilities. Grid improvements apply when relevant. The factors include affordable rates, energy resources, reliability, health, economic growth, efficiency, and environmental justice.

Public utility rates would have to be just and reasonable, consistent with the public interest, and follow commission rules and orders. These provisions cover rates charged by a public utility, alone or jointly with another utility, and rates for certain municipal services beyond municipal boundaries. For service that a municipality or its agencies provide beyond municipal boundaries, the commission would regulate rates as it does public utility rates. After notice and a hearing, the commission would set rates by order if it finds existing rates unjust, unreasonable, inconsistent with the public interest, or otherwise unlawful.

A public utility proposing a rate change would have to explain to the commission how the change fits the public interest. This applies when a public utility proposes to change an existing, established rate. The commission may allow a change without the usual notice period for good cause and set conditions. The notice is generally due 60 days before the proposed rate change takes effect.