Universal Service

After previously expressing concerns about certain aspects of an electric utility’s low-income assistance measures, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission signed off on a revised universal service and energy conservation plan (USECP) submitted by the company, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation.

Last October, the commission had told the utility that several changes in its USECP were needed, especially with respect to its “OnTrack” customer assistance program, which forgives some arrearages of incomeeligible ratepayers and offers reduced budget billing plans for lowincome customers. For example, the commission conveyed that more details were needed as to the OnTrack online application process and that PPL must assure that the OnTrack recertification process is more streamlined.

The commission related as well that the company needed to clarify the manner in which OnTrack customers are automatically referred to PPL’s winter relief assistance program (WRAP). Upon reviewing the utility’s compliance filing, the commission determined that the company’s revamped USECP is more consistent with the commission’s expectations. At the same time, though, the commission said it still had some lingering questions about the costs of the USECP overall.

Observing that administrative costs associated with OnTrack continue to rise and alleging that PPL should probably increase its efforts to get greater numbers of OnTrack customers to participate in WRAP and other energy-efficiency offerings, the commission stated that it wants PPL to remain vigilant in its management of OnTrack and the USECP. (Docket No. M-2016-2554787)