Pennsylvania Delays Allowing CAP Customers at PECO to Participate in Retail Choice

The Pennsylvania PUC, via Secretarial Letter, has delayed the deadline by which Customer Assistance Program (CAP) electric customers at PECO must be given the ability to participate in retail choice.

Originally, in ruling on PECO's default service plan for the period starting June 1, 2013, the PUC had directed that CAP customers, who are currently prevented from choosing their electric supplier, be allowed to participate in retail choice by January 1, 2014.

Concurrently, the PUC has been investigating other issues related to PECO's CAP program. The PUC noted that it is possible that the Commission will issue a final order directing design changes to PECO's CAP program as a result of such proceeding, and that such changes may impact any mechanisms to be developed by PECO in its CAP "shopping plan" to extend retail choice to CAP customers, in compliance with the PUC's default service order.

"[T]he Commission recognizes the importance of issuing a Final Order on the CAP Plan before PECO's Shopping Plan is filed. Therefore, the Commission is extending the date by which PECO's CAP customers must have the ability to purchase generation supply from EGSs [electric generation suppliers] to April 1, 2014," the PUC ordered.

"To ensure that critical decisions about the structure of PECO's CAP Plan are made before PECO has to file the Shopping Plan (which, due to the extension of time, is now on or around May 1, 2013), the Commission plans to adopt a Final Order on the CAP Plan by April 4, 2013. To that end, the CAP Plan is immediately assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge to conduct any necessary evidentiary hearings and briefing, and certify the record (if any) to the Commission by March 1, 2013," the PUC directed.

Dockets: P-2012-2283641, M-2012-2290911