PUC to Hold Forum Examining Increased Use Electric, Natural Gas Vehicles

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced it will hold a Forum to examine the increased use of alternative fuel vehicles, specifically electric and natural gas.

“Domestic natural gas production continues to grow,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “The Marcellus Shale formation has made Pennsylvania a ‘hot-bed’ of activity revolving around this commodity.  This activity, the corresponding drop in electric generation prices coupled with the appreciation of oil prices has clarified the need for the PUC to explore policies and regulatory frameworks that can support investments in natural gas and electric vehicles.”

The Forum will be held at 9 a.m. May 31, 2012, at Anthony J. Drexel Picture Gallery at Drexel University, Philadelphia. The five PUC Commissioners as well as state Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Krancer and state Department of Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch will be presiding. The public is invited to attend.  An agenda for the Forum will be issued in May 2012.

The Forum will explore how the PUC can foster policies and regulatory frameworks that support investments in natural gas and electric vehicles and their required infrastructure.  The move toward increased use of AFVs creates numerous issues and questions, many of which impact the PUC’s core functions.

The PUC envisions this Forum as the first step in an ongoing discussion of AFV issues under its jurisdiction, creating a foundation for possible future action by the Commission.  The PUC has established a webpage for information and issued a Secretarial Letter seeking comments on the jurisdictional issues and questions surrounding AFVs. Comments are due by May 18, 2012.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.