Utility Seeks Waiver To Allow For Delay In Introducing Joint Supplier-Utility Bill

Duquesne Light has petitioned the Pennsylvania PUC for a waiver of several requirements related to retail electric supplier billing, including introduction of the joint supplier-utility bill, due to ongoing implementation of its new backoffice and customer billing system

Specifically, Duquesne Light sought a waiver of the requirement to implement a joint supplier-utility bill until December 31, 2015.

The PUC had directed EDCs to offer joint bill capability by June 1, 2015.

Duquesne Light said that implementing the Joint Bill requirements, "will require bill print modifications to the Company's FOCUS System, as well as additional programming and testing for Duquesne Light Disaster Recovery bill print vendor."

"These changes will require a redesign of the supplier section of the bill to include the EGS Logos, Shopping Box and Supplier messaging as well as additional bill printing flexibility to allow for multiple EGS switches when the Company implements Phase II OCS [off-cycle switching]. Due to the timing for go-live of the FOCUS System and the prioritization by the Company to implement its Phase I OCS Solution, the Company will not be able to implement the Joint Bill capability by June 1, 2015," the utility said.

Duquesne Light has sought an extension of time regarding implementation of bill ready billing. The company said that it expects to be able to implement Bill Ready capability by May 31, 2016. Duquesne Light had previously anticipated offering bill ready billing in 2015.

Duquesne Light also said that it expects to begin paying suppliers actual monthly bill amounts for customers on budget billing, as opposed to budget bill amounts, by September 30,2015.