Seminar Will Address Electric Rates

Consumers who are confused about new options regarding their electricity supplier should attend an informational meeting Wednesday night at .

State Rep. Matt Smith is organizing the informational session on electric deregulation and how it will impact customers. The Mt. Lebanon Democrat also planned two other similar informational meetings in the area.

State deregulation of power suppliers took effect in January, allowing local customers fromDuquesne Light and West Penn Power to have the ability to shop around for different price rates with energy producers. People can also choose to purchase from suppliers that receive their power from renewable and green energy.

"I have heard from consumers who feel inundated with information," Smith said in a press release. "With more choices can come more confusion on which company to choose or whether to switch at all.”

The informational meeting is expected to go from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the JCC located at .

Some consumers have become confused from the numerous price quotes they’ve received in the mail, Smith said, and this meeting is an opportunity to ask questions and get answers about the system. Individuals with specific questions are encouraged to bring a copy of a recent electric bill.

"This is not a sales pitch," Smith said. "Consumers can feel comfortable that they won’t be solicited and will receive helpful information to make an informed choice."