Locals Flock to Electricity Workshop

Editor's Note: Thanks to Rep. Kampf's office for sending along the following article.

More than 70 people hoping to cut their utility bills came to a workshop hosted by Rep. Warren Kampf (R-Chester/Montgomery) in Schuylkill Township Wednesday to learn about Pennsylvania’s law requiring competition among electricity suppliers.

Representatives from both PECO and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) were on hand at the Schuylkill Township Building, 111 Valley Park Road, to field questions from the over-flowing group of consumers and to help guide the residents through the process of shopping for a new electricity supplier.

“Competition is the best way to reduce utility costs,” Kampf said. “But that will only be effective if people take an active role in forcing the companies to meet the customers’ needs. That means selecting the best company for your specific needs. Customers must be involved in the process and not accept the status quo.”

Shari Williams, PUC Senior Communication Specialist, asked customers to read utility contracts thoroughly as some may have lower rates but tack on additional fees for cancellation or breach of contract.

“Be sure to know and understand what is in the contract you are signing,” Williams said.

She also noted that sales people are prohibited from coming to your house after 7 p.m. If someone does, or seems aggressive or suspicious, she asked they be reported to the PUC.

PECO representatives Shareen Hinson, a PECO Project Manager, and Rory Young, of PECO’s Smart Ideas Team, reminded everyone that PECO will still deliver the power, and if there is an outage PECO is still responsible for restoring power. Also, if the new supplier goes out of business, PECO will automatically take over that role. 

Attendees asked a number of questions about rates, the impact on all-electric houses, electric generation, and the best way to narrow choices.

“People should remember that what is offered over the phone may be different than what appears online,” Kampf said. “That’s why becoming an active shopper of energy is so important.”