Hearing On PECO Rate Hike To Be Held At BCCC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold a hearing at Bucks County Community College on a proposed PECO rate increase.

The hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, at Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown. It is one of five hearings being held regarding the proposed rate increase, according to information from State Rep. Perry Warren's office.

PECO is seeking to increase the rates charged to customers for electricity by about 2.2 percent in order to pay for enhancements to the company's system and various services, the company announced in a filing made with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday.

Under the new rate, the monthly bill for an average customer - who uses about 700 kilowatt of electricity per month would increase about $3.28.

RELATED: PECO Proposes Rate Hike

“Our communities experienced substantial power outages in March from winter storms Riley and Quinn. In light of that, I requested that one of the public hearings on the proposed rate increase be in my legislative district, so that residents have a chance to weigh in and ask questions,” said Warren, D-Bucks.

Warren said he requested that the Pennsylvania Office of the Consumer Advocate, which is representing the interests of consumers in the case, review any improvements that could help mitigate or reduce the likelihood, frequency and duration of any future power outages.

“PECO reported that the power outages during and following winter storms Riley and Quinn exceeded the number of outages in 2012 caused by Hurricane Sandy. I hope that through this process we are able to work with PECO to find solutions and ensure we are watching out for residents’ best interests,” Warren said.

Warren represents the 31st Legislative District, consisting of Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville Borough Wards 1, 2, and 3, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township and Yardley Borough.