PUC Forum To Solicit Comments On Increased Electric, Natural Gas Vehicle Use May 31

The Public Utility Commission Monday announced it will hold a Forum to examine the increased use of alternative fuel vehicles, specifically electric and natural gas at 9 a.m. May 31 at Anthony J. Drexel Picture Gallery at Drexel University, Philadelphia.
            “Domestic natural gas production continues to grow,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “The Marcellus Shale formation has made Pennsylvania a ‘hot-bed’ of activity revolving around this commodity.  This activity, the corresponding drop in electric generation prices coupled with the appreciation of oil prices has clarified the need for the PUC to explore policies and regulatory frameworks that can support investments in natural gas and electric vehicles.”
            The five PUC Commissioners as well as state Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Krancer and state Department of Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch will be presiding. The public is invited to attend.  An agenda for the Forum will be issued in May 2012.
            The Forum will explore how the PUC can foster policies and regulatory frameworks that support investments in natural gas and electric vehicles and their required infrastructure.  The move toward increased use of AFVs creates numerous issues and questions, many of which impact the PUC’s core functions.
            The PUC envisions this Forum as the first step in an ongoing discussion of AFV issues under its jurisdiction, creating a foundation for possible future action by the Commission.  The PUC has established a webpage for information and issued a Secretarial Letter seeking comments on the jurisdictional issues and questions surrounding AFVs. Comments are due by May 18.


4/23/2012

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