PUC "Relieves" Utilities From Mailing Annual Electric Choice Postcard

The Pennsylvania PUC has issued a Secretarial Letter which "relieves" EDCs of the annual mailing of a postcard promoting PA Power Switch

"By virtue of this action, the Commission does not seek to lessen the importance or minimize the effectiveness of such communications with consumers. Instead, the Commission acknowledges it may not be necessary to undertake such mailings on a scheduled basis, but rather as the Commission deems appropriate and when in the best interests of ratepayers," the PUC said.

"The Commission points to the success of three previous RMI-initiated mailings to further educate Pennsylvania consumers on their ability to choose a competitive supplier (supplier) for their electric generation and promote the Commission's website for electric shopping, www.PAPowerSwitch.com," the PUC said.

Previously, citing consumer feedback about the high volume of mail from a variety of sources related to electric shopping, the Commission first delayed and later dispensed with (by virtue of its May 13, 2013, Order) the mailing of the annual postcard in 2013. In the spring of 2014, with major regulation changes pending and anticipating a significant impact on the competitive marketplace, the Commission again opted to postpone the annual postcard mailing until later in 2014 or into 2015.

The Commission has now revised the annual mailing requirement, and dispenses of any set timetable for such mailings, by virtue of the Secretarial Letter.