Under current regulations by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), energy providers must give residential customers a fixed-rate option, also known as budget billing. Fixed rates provide customers with stability and predictability in budgeting for energy costs and can even shield customers from sudden changes in energy rates in the market. Customers who do not renew their fixed-rate contract are then provided with a variable rate, which can increase or decrease according to market conditions and thus make it difficult to predict monthly bill and budget expenses. The PUC requires that customers are twice provided renewal notices before a fixed-rate contract expires.
 
I plan to introduce legislation to enshrine these important consumer protections into law, as well as create additional notification requirements after a fixed-rate contract has ended to ensure that customers are made aware of changes to their energy bills.
 
Please consider joining me in co-sponsoring this legislation to help consumers better manage their utilities and make informed decisions for themselves and their families.