Under the 1996 electric competition law, electric rates - distribution, transmission, generation - charged by electricity companies were capped. For a majority of the state’s electric consumers, generation rates remain capped, meaning it is too early to examine the long-term impact of restructuring on consumers.

The electric competition law provided a framework for giving all retail electric customers direct access to alternative suppliers of generation. When the law was passed, the average electricity price in Pennsylvania was about 15 percent above the national average. Today, on average, the prices throughout Pennsylvania are at or below the national average.

In the last 10 years, the prices of natural gas and coal have doubled – both of those products are fuels used in the generation of electricity. While Pennsylvania consumers’ rates are capped, the market prices for electricity have risen – just as the prices of other good and services have risen.

The future expiration of those energy regulations, coupled with quickly rising global energy costs means that consumers in Philadlephia may face dramatic rises in utility costs in the future.

Democratic candidate for state representative Vanessa Brown, invites you to a special community event on the impact of these changes to consumers plus a chance for consumers to meet directly with representatives from their local utilities on issues a tad closer to home.