Bill > SB966

This bill amends Pennsylvania's utility regulations to enhance consumer protections and improve transparency in both natural gas and electric utility industries. The bill requires natural gas distribution companies and electric distribution companies to comprehensively account for all costs associated with providing services, including commodity, capacity, procurement, billing, customer service, and labor costs, with a specific focus on ensuring that costs for distribution and "supplier of last resort" services are accurately allocated and reflected in customer rates. The bill also mandates new procedures for changing utility suppliers, requiring direct oral confirmation or written consent from customers and allowing customers to change suppliers using government-issued identification without necessarily providing an account number. Additionally, the legislation introduces mandatory training programs for natural gas and electric generation suppliers, requiring individuals working on supplier changes to complete an online training course and pass an examination to demonstrate their understanding of consumer protection regulations. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is tasked with developing these training programs, consulting with stakeholders, and establishing penalties for non-compliance. The bill aims to protect consumers by ensuring more transparent billing, preventing unauthorized supplier switches, and improving the professional standards of utility sales representatives. The new regulations will take effect 120 days after the bill's passage.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=966