Concern: PUC Issues Second Warning to Shopping Customers About Variable Rate Increases

For the second time in as many weeks, the Pennsylvania PUC issued a news release in which the PUC, "urges customers using a competitive supplier to review their contract as wholesale energy prices have been pushed higher due to cold temperatures and high demand."

"Customers with variable contracts or those with fixed contracts that have expired and were moved to a variable rate may see their prices increase. Some prices for those on variable rates may have already increased," the PUC said.

Though not cited by the PUC itself, there have been multiple local media reports about customers with multiple retail suppliers being charged rates in excess of 20¢/kWh.

"The PUC has created a consumer alert on its website as well as www.PAPowerSwitch.com urging customers to contact their supplier; check their contracts; evaluate competitive offers; sign up for budget billing, a payment arrangement or assistance programs; and conserve energy," the PUC said.

"The PUC is seeing higher prices in the wholesale energy markets, which could translate into higher prices for some customers who have contracts with competitive suppliers that allow for prices to change. Consumers should check the terms and conditions they received when they enrolled with the competitive supplier or call the supplier to check the status of their prices," the PUC said.

"Consumers who feel the competitive supplier they are using has violated the PUC's regulations on marketing practices are encouraged to call the PUC at 1-800-692-7380 to file a complaint or go to the PUC website," the PUC said.