PPL Electric Utilities Corporation is proposing to increase the maximum charge permitted under its Distribution System Improvement Charge from 5% to 9%.

The charges are for the use of local wires, transformers, substations, and other equipment used to deliver electricity to consumers from the high voltage transmission lines.

The company informed residents in emails and phone calls late last week.

The request is going to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, who will examine the requested rate change and can prevent existing rates from changing until it investigates and/or holds hearings on the request.

The company must prove that the requested rates are reasonable. After examining the evidence, the PUC may grant all, some, or none of the request.

Customers who switch to other electric suppliers still pay the distribution charge.

If granted, these changes would increase the distribution charge to all customers as of Jan. 1, 2025.

Jane George, spokeswoman for PPL, said if the entire request is approved, the total bill for a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month would increase by approximately $2.37, about 1.4% of a customer’s bill.

“The DSIC accelerates the repair and replacement of aging infrastructure by allowing utilities to recover the costs of system investments, while providing customers with improved service quality and better system safety and reliability,” George said.

However, George said the actual DSIC would not reach the 9% level immediately on Jan. 1, 2025. It will be phased in over time.

“As we confront more frequent and severe storms, aging infrastructure and changing demands on the energy grid, we believe an increase is needed to enhance our system so that we can maintain and improve electric service reliability for customers,” George said.

To get more information and to find out how the requested change will specifically affect your bill, contact PPL at 888-386-2348. PPL’s filing and information about the PUC proceeding are available on the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov/docket/P-2024-3048732 (can be found using the docket number) and on PPL’s website at www.pplelectric.com/DSIC.

Formal protests and petitions to intervene must be filed in accordance with Title 52 of the Pennsylvania Code, on or before July 8. All filings must be made with the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, 400 North Street, 2nd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120, with a copy served on the PPL Electric Utilities Corporation.