AARP published an op-ed appearing in the Allentown Morning Call calling for action on Pennsylvania House Bill 2104, which contains a host of retail electric market reforms.

As filed, the bill would prohibit variable rates from increasing more than once every six months. The latest printed version of the bills drops this provision, but provides that the kilowatt-hour rate charged to a residential or small commercial customer under a contract for a variable-rate product, other than an index-based product, may not be increased by more than 30% of the kilowatt-hour rate charged during the preceding billing cycle.

The bill had been advancing, but stalled abruptly prior to the Memorial Day recess.

In its Morning Call op-ed, AARP says that, "electricity marketers are fighting the bill because they don't want to see limits placed on rate increases or any other protections beyond those contained in the PUC regulations. Their lobbyists are working to weaken the consumer protection provisions in HB 2104 or even kill the bill altogether."

See More:

AARP Op-Ed in the Allentown Morning Call

HB 2104 Legislation Page