Abington Township Opposes PECO Rate Increase

PECO has filed a request with the public utilities commission to raise rates by 2.2%. At the April 12 Board of Commissioners meeting, we considered a resolution to file the Township's opposition to the rate increase with the PUC. I spoke against this resolution and voted against it.

The resolution was motivated by Commissioners' concerns that PECO's response to power outages after this year's winter storms was inadequate. While I appreciate my colleagues opinions, I did not believe filing an opposition with the PUC would advance my constituents' interests.

First, the resolution was a late addition to our agenda and I lacked important information to cast an informed vote. We had no information from PECO regarding its need for the rate increase, and I wanted to know how PECO would invest the additional revenue. For example, if PECO would use the funds to improve infrastructure, I believe opposing the increase would be unwise.

Second, I do not believe that the Township's resolution will have a material impact on the PUC's deliberations. I would rather use the Township's authority to build on our relationship with PECO, and I doubt that the Township's opposition to the rate increase will at all assist in that endeavor.

The resolution passed by a vote of 10 to 4. If you disagree with my position, please let me know. More importantly, you have a right to oppose the rate increase yourself. If you wish to voice your opposition, you can do so here.