Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. announced Wednesday (9/10) that it is now accepting registrations from customers who would like to test the waters of electricity competition in the state's customer choice pilot program.

"We think this pilot program is an excellent opportunity for our customers to learn more about how customer choice will work in Pennsylvania. As a company that was a leader in bringing this opportunity to Pennsylvanians, we urge our customers to consider signing up for the pilot," said Robert J. Grey, PP&L's senior vice president and general counsel.

Wednesday, the company began mailing information to all 1.2 million of its customers, inviting them to sign up for the pilot. Participation is limited to 5 percent of the company's customers. If more than 5 percent of customers in a given group volunteer, participants will be selected through a random drawing.

Pilot participants will have the opportunity to select the company that generates their electricity from a number of suppliers that are licensed in the commonwealth. A division of PP&L will be among those offering competitively priced electricity.

While there is some urgency for customers to sign up for the pilot as soon as possible (the initial sign-up period ends on Sept. 29), there is no need for customers to rush into contracts with suppliers, Grey said. "Customers should take their time in selecting a supplier, making sure that they completely understand the offers that are being made," he said.

About 61,000 PP&L customers will get to participate in the pilot, which runs through the end of 1998. Beginning in January 1999, customer choice will be phased in for all Pennsylvania electric customers over a three-year period.

"The pilot program will provide a valuable trial period for customers, electricity suppliers and all other interested parties to make the full transition to customer choice," Grey said.

Customers who elect to participate will receive a credit of up to 4 cents on their bills for each kilowatt-hour of electricity they purchase in the competitive market. The credit varies based on customer class. A customer's net savings will result from the difference between the cost of electricity purchased in the competitive market and the amount of the customer credit.

As customers have the opportunity to choose, PP&L will continue to provide customer services, deliver electricity and maintain electric lines.

Customers who would like more detailed information on the pilot program should call 1-888-668-4775.

PP&L, Inc., a subsidiary of PP&L Resources, Inc., provides electricity delivery service to 1.2 million customers in eastern and central Pennsylvania, sells retail electricity throughout the state of Pennsylvania and markets wholesale electricity throughout the East.