Ellwood City Council May Still Consider More Changes to Ellwood City Electric

Ellwood City council members have met more than half of the seven suggestions they received in a letter about improving Ellwood City Electric Department from Rep. Aaron Bernstine and state Sen. Elder Vogel Jr., after Monday nights council meeting.

Ellwood City Council voted yes Monday to extend the delinquency period on bills from the borough-run department from 12 days to 16 days, to eliminate the $5 fee for delinquency notices and drop the penalty rate from 5 percent to 2.5 percent.

The borough also decided to reduced the re-connection fee. Originally the fees started at $25, then $50 for the second and then it would remain at $100 for the rest of the calendar year. The new re-connection fees will now be free the first time each calendar year and $25 each time after.

Starting in January 2019 Ellwood City will set its purchase power adjustment rates on electric service every 12 months. People will receive an advance notice of what the change will be. The latest rate will be determined at the borough’s budget discussions starting next month.

With council meeting more than half of the suggestions given by Bernstine and Vogel,  Bernstine released a statement on Tuesday applauding the borough’s changes to Ellwood City Electric.

Borough officials and Bernstine have been debating over issues with the electric department since the introduction of House Bill 2030. HB 2030 would have placed restrictions only on Ellwood City’s Electrical Department, and would not allow the department to transfer money into borough’s general fund.

The bill passed the House in April and has been awaiting consideration by the Senate.

“My hope all along was to find a way to give affected Ellwood City residents peace of mind without relying on a legislative solution,” Bernstine said. “I have sent a letter to the Chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee Tommy Tomlinson and Sen. Vogel requesting the Senate committee does not take any further action on the legislation.”