Rep. Roae’s utility reform bill signed into law

Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law Tuesday legislation introduced by state Rep. Brad Roae (R-Crawford/Erie) to reform public utility laws.

“These are commonsense reforms for the Commonwealth’s public utility laws,” Roae said. “We want our laws to enable utilities to provide quality services to customers at affordable prices.”

Under current law, utilities and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) are required to communicate through registered or certified mail in certain instances involving lawsuits. Under the new law, they can communicate through email as long as both parties agree to it.

“Printing and mailing large documents can cost utilities and regulators both time and money,” Roae said. “This law says, as long as both parties agree, that it’s acceptable to send the information through email.”

House Bill 751 also changes the way water and sewer utilities’ income tax liability is calculated to bring it in line with how electric and natural gas utilities are taxed. The tax change relates specifically to a provision affecting water and sewer utilities when they extend service to a new area.

The new law also updates the legal definition of a service line to include water and sewer lines.

“We want to create an environment in Pennsylvania where utility companies can meet the needs of their customers without being burdened by outdated or ineffective rules,” Roae said. “We want Pennsylvania utility customers to have access to efficient and effective services.”

The law takes effect in 60 days.