PUC to investigate FirstEnergy rate increase proposal

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently voted to investigate FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Co.’s proposed rate increases.

FirstEnergy filed its proposal on April 2 and is seeking an annual increase of $503.8 million for electric distribution.

In the Met-Ed Rate District, a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours would see an average monthly bill increase of between $187.70 and $205.

In the Penelec Rate District, a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours would see an average monthly bill increase of between $200.96 and $220.75.

In the Penn Power Rate District, a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours would see an average monthly bill increase of between $180.59 and $201.88.

In the West Penn Rate District, a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours would see an average monthly bill increase of between $156.36 and $172.98.

PUC suspended the rate increase for up to seven months from the proposed effective date of June 1. The proposal was assigned to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for investigation and decision recommendations.

The commission will make a final decision by Jan. 1.

FirstEnergy serves approximately 2.1 million customers in 56 Pennsylvania counties. It provides services in four districts: Med-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power Rate.