PSC Proposing $25,000 Fine For Potomac Edison

It says the company violating meter-reading rules.


BALTIMORE (AP) – The Maryland Public Service Commission is proposing that Potomac Edison Co. be fined $25,000 for violating meter-reading rules.

Public Utility Law Judge Dennis Sober issued the proposed order May 5. It becomes final June 7 unless it’s appealed, or if the commission modifies or reverses it.

Potomac Edison spokesman Todd Meyers said Thursday the company is reviewing the matter.

Sober found that the company violated requirements to read meters monthly or bi-monthly in 2011 and 2012. He says its over-reliance on usage estimates caused inaccurate billings and large catch-up bills.

The company blamed unusually severe weather conditions and unexpected turnover in its meter-reading staff.

Potomac Edison is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., based in Akron, Ohio. It serves about 264,000 customers in western and central Maryland.