This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

PECO Rep to Answer Questions About Deregulation

State Rep. Bernie O'Neill will host informational sessions at his Warminster and Buckingham offices this week.

Wondering how to choose an electricity supplier now that Pennsylvania's utility companies have been deregulated?  

Ted Dorand, PECO’s external affairs manager for Bucks County, will visit State Rep. Bernie O'Neill's district offices to explain the transition to competitive energy markets and answer questions about what to look for when picking a new electricity supplier.

The first session will be held this Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at O’Neill’s Warminster office, Suite 105, 755 York Road, near Perkins Restaurant.

Find out what's happening in Doylestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The next one, also from 1 to 3 p.m., is Thursday at the Buckingham office, Hughes House, 4695 York Road, Buckingham, by PNC Bank. Additional parking is available near the at 4613 Hughesian Drive.

Cindy Beck, office manager for O’Neill’s Buckingham office and coordinator of the drop-in meetings, said they have received calls from constituents confused about the changeover.

Find out what's happening in Doylestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We’re just trying to connect services with people and get information out there,” explained Beck.

“In today’s tough budgetary times, every penny counts,” she said. “If you can find a way to shave a few cents off of electricity, why not?”

According to figures from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, more than 1 million of 5.6 million customers in the state – residential, commercial and industrial – have switched electricity suppliers since rate caps for the power companies were lifted.

Deregulation for PECO, the main utility company servicing our immediate area, went into effect Jan. 1.

Customers have the option of continuing with PECO or purchasing electricity from one of the numerous other suppliers that have sprung up.

While customers may choose to buy their electricity from another supplier, PECO still has the responsibility of maintaining lines and distributing power.

The sessions are for both residential and business customers. While you’re there, you also can also pick up some free brochures that offer money-saving tips and ways you can reduce your energy consumption.

Consumers also can visit a website set up by the PUC at www.papowerswitch.com.

For more information, call O'Neill's Warminster office at (215) 441-2624 or the Buckingham office at (215) 794-1055. Reservations are not required.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?