Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence Counties) and Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence Counties) sent a letter this week to members of Ellwood City Borough Council urging them to implement proposed changes to Ellwood City Electric.
The proposed changes include setting rates comparable to other regional energy providers, providing advance notice of rate structures, and adhering to Public Utility Commission requirements for electricity shut off. Changes would also include increased payment periods for billing, expanded budget payment plan eligibility, review of landlord/tenant policies, and elimination or reduction of reactivation fees and prohibitive costs for restart of service after shutoff, as well as increased opportunities for public input on policies.
“These changes are the result of months of discussions and meetings we’ve had with residents, current and former council members and business owners,” Bernstine and Vogel said. “We believe they are necessary to help the electric service continue to improve and develop.”
The lawmakers expressed concerns in their letter about the economic impact the borough could undergo if the ongoing issues do not quickly get resolved.
“Our concern is that if current practices remain unchanged, residents and businesses will continue to leave Ellwood City and efforts to attract new residents and businesses will be stifled,” they said.
The lawmakers called for action on the proposed policy changes no later than Aug. 31.