HARRISBURG — With electricity rate caps set to expire at the end of this month for PPL customers, Rep. John C. Bear (R-Lancaster) announced the availability of the Pennsylvania Energy Consumer Bill of Rights, produced by a joint effort of the Public Utility Commission (PUC), the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) and his office.

The new Pennsylvania Energy Consumer Bill of Rights contains sections on: Right to Safe and Reliable Utility Service; Choosing an Electric or Natural Gas Suppliers; Filing Complaints; Energy Assistance; Termination Rights; and Privacy.

“We know that Pennsylvania is making the transition to a competitive market, that electricity rates will no longer be capped, and that energy prices are increasing nationwide,” said Bear. “I want Pennsylvania electricity customers to know their rights under the law as they interact with utilities, make this transition and face potentially higher prices. The PUC and OCA have many resources available to help consumers, and I have asked them to help me develop a Pennsylvania Energy Consumer Bill of Rights to provide one consolidated and customer-friendly tool to remind electric customers of their rights pertaining to higher prices, choice, reliability, terminations, assistance programs, and energy conservation,” Bear said.

PUC Chairman James H. Cawley noted the relevancy of the new Pennsylvania Energy Consumer Bill of Rights to the PUC’s mission to balance the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

The PUC can be reached online at www.puc.state.pa.us or through its Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380.