PPL Wants To Charge More

PPL asked the state Public Utility Commission Friday to approve an increased distribution charge.

If approved, the rate would would go up 2.9 percent, which would increase revenue to PPL about $104.6 million and cost the average residential customer about $7 per month, according to a press release on PPL’s website.

PPL also says that:

Because generation rates have decreased over the past two years for both customers who purchase electricity from alternative suppliers and those who purchase default supply from PPL Electric Utilities, the company projects that January 2013 monthly costs for residential customers would be lower than those paid in January 2010.

The increase would go into effect Jan. 1, 2013, if the PUC approves it.

PPL is asking for this increase to cover the costs associated with major 2011 storms, improvements to its distribution system and support of electric choice.

"With timely recovery of our costs for recent system improvements, we can remain financially strong and continue much-needed investments in our electric infrastructure that will renew, strengthen and modernize our system," said Gregory N. Dudkin, president of PPL Electric Utilities, in a press release.