PUC delays look at polar vortex surcharge

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Wednesday delayed ordering an investigation of FirstEnergy Solutions' polar vortex surcharge on its fixed-rate customers.

The PUC removed a question from its agenda to initiate an investigation of the supplier's one-time charge of $5 to $15 on its fixed-rate customers. FirstEnergy called it a "pass-through" charge to offset some of the extra charges imposed on it in January by regional grid operator PJM Interconnection Inc. The company is one of the region's largest competitive energy suppliers.

Robert F. Powelson, the PUC's chairman, told legislators this month there was a "stench" associated with the charge. Lawmakers decried the FirstEnergy charge because it seemed incompatible with a fixed-rate agreement.