PPL energy conservation plan sparks debate

Debate is heating up regarding a PPL proposal to charge customers $246 million over four years to implement energy conservation programs mandated by the state. The plan, which would cost the typical residential customer about $24 a year beginning in December, will be the subject of a 6 p.m. public hearing Thursday at Bethlehem City Council Chambers. It is the only public hearing scheduled for the proposal, which will affect all of PPL's residential and business customers in Pennsylvania. The added cost is in addition to a 30 percent rate hike customers are expected to see in 2010 when state-imposed caps on electric rates expire.

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