Bill > SB977

This bill seeks to enhance retail electric and natural gas competition by establishing a new consumer choice billing framework in Pennsylvania. The legislation aims to increase consumer options by allowing electric generation suppliers and natural gas suppliers to provide consolidated billing services, which would enable more flexible and innovative pricing plans. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to develop temporary regulations that set strict qualifications for suppliers wanting to offer consumer choice billing, including maintaining significant financial guarantees, demonstrating robust customer service capabilities, and complying with existing consumer protection standards. Key provisions include creating a working group to develop implementation details, establishing data sharing protocols between utilities and suppliers, prohibiting utilities from using customer information for marketing purposes, and implementing a comprehensive reporting mechanism to track the program's effectiveness. The bill also provides penalties for suppliers who violate the new regulations, which can include license suspension, revocation, or fines. The ultimate goal is to increase residential electric and natural gas supplier shopping rates, which are currently low (18.9% for electric and 11.9% for natural gas), by offering consumers more transparent and personalized utility billing options that leverage existing smart meter infrastructure.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=977