The promise of deregulation leading to an economic boom and lower prices didn’t pan out and policy makers need to be held accountable.
On Aug. 4, 2000, Governor Tom Ridge announced that electric competition would lead to job growth, economic expansion, and decreased rates. According to Governor Ridge, “Pennsylvania’s national leadership in electric competition continues to bring dramatic savings and economic benefits to Pennsylvanians.”
This Electric Fantasyland never materialized. To the contrary, electric companies collected $11.4 billion in “stranded costs” shifted taxes to municipalities and school districts, and dumped customers at record rates. Two decades later we should not be surprised by impacts of this “planned train wreck.”
Warning flares were sent up and ignored by both parties. It turns out that the “doomsday predictions” became a harsh reality in 2022. Distribution rates - or your “line and wire” charges - have steadily increased since 2012 when Governor Tom Corbett signed Act 11 into law. The “Distribution System Improvement Charge is an automatic increase baked into your bill, and “revised quarterly” so utilities can keep up with unprofitable operation and maintenance costs.
Consumers continue to be left in the dark, and without heat in the winter. The total number of electric terminations skyrocketed last year from 14,146 to 35,189, or a 149% increase. Gas terminations heated-up from 6,397 to 12,423 for a 94% rise during COVID.
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