Public Comments & Instructions

Below are the instructions and sample comments for you to review as you develop your own personalized comment. When submitting a comment, before you start, make sure your comment document includes:

  • Your name and contact information

  • The docket number (M-2026-3059601) on the first page

  • The word "Comments" clearly labeled

If you cannot eFile, you can mail a physical copy to:

Rosemary Chiavetta, Secretary, PA Public Utility Commission, P.O. Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105.

It must be postmarked by October 14, 2026 — hand it to a USPS employee for a date stamp.‌

Step-by-Step eFiling Guide

  • Prepare Your Document: Type your comments in Word or Google Docs, then save or "Print to PDF" — the PUC requires PDF format.‌

  • Create an eFiling Account: Go to the PUC eFiling registration page and complete the free registration process.‌

  • Log In: Go to the eFiling login page and enter your credentials.‌

  • Start a New Filing: On the "New Filing" screen, select "Existing" from the Case Type dropdown.‌

  • Enter the Docket Number: Type M-2026-3059601 into the Docket Number field. You can leave the Case Description blank.‌

  • Upload Your Comments: Select "Comments" from the Document Type dropdown, then choose your PDF file and click "Next".‌

  • Complete and Submit: Click "Filing Complete," then "Submit eFiling" on the summary screen. Save the confirmation page for your records.‌

Sample Comments

Here are three sample scripts for public comments opposing a new power plant on Barbadoes Island, select and alter the [Norristown/West Norriton] part to fit where you live. Use them to personalize your own message.

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Sample 1: Environmental & Flooding Concerns
This addresses flooding and the fact that Norristown is designated as an Environmental Justice Area. A designation received due to a combination of historical industrial contamination and socioeconomic vulnerability. To me, it's our strongest point of leverage.

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Re: Docket No. M-2026-3059601 – Opposition to Redevelopment of Barbadoes Island

Dear Secretary,

As a resident of [Norristown / West Norriton], I strongly oppose the inclusion of Barbadoes Island in the PATER Study for new power generation. The existing Barbadoes Island Substation is already located in a FEMA-mapped regulated floodway and is partially at the end of its life (even according to the report itself). Building a new power plant on this flood-prone island would place critical energy infrastructure directly in harm's way, risking catastrophic failure during extreme weather events. We all remember the record flooding of Hurricane Ida around here.

The Schuylkill River corridor is already burdened by legacy industrial pollution. Adding a new combustion power plant would worsen air quality for our area.  predominantly environmental justice communities. I urge the Commission to exclude Barbadoes Island from the PATER Study's shortlist and prioritize sites that do not compound existing environmental and flood risks.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Norristown / West Norriton]

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Sample 2: Community & Health Impacts
This second sample emphasizes local health, noise, and  general quality of life

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Re: Docket No. M-2026-3059601 – Opposition to Power Plant on Barbadoes Island

Dear Secretary,

I am a resident of [Norristown / West Norriton] and I oppose redeveloping Barbadoes Island as a power generation site. Our community already bears a disproportionate burden from regional energy infrastructure. The PECO transmission line project along the Schuylkill River has raised serious concerns among residents, and adding a power plant would only intensify those impacts.

A new plant would bring continuous noise, traffic, and air emissions to an area that includes homes, schools, and the Norristown Transportation Center. The health and quality of life of our families should not be sacrificed for a project that could be sited elsewhere. I urge the PUC to remove Barbadoes Island from consideration for new generation.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Norristown / West Norriton]

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Sample 3: Economic & Grid Reliability Concerns
This third sample centers ratepayer cost, property value, and grid vulnerability concerns

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Re: Docket No. M-2026-3059601 – Opposing Power Plant on Barbadoes Island

Dear Secretary,

As a resident of [Norristown / West Norriton], I oppose the redevelopment of Barbadoes Island for new power generation. The island's location within a floodway creates unacceptable risks for grid reliability. A plant built in a flood zone would require costly flood-proofing measures—expenses that would ultimately be passed on to ratepayers.

Additionally, new industrial development on the island would negatively impact property values in surrounding residential neighborhoods. Norristown and West Norriton deserve economic development that enhances our communities, not burdens them with environmental and financial liabilities. I ask the Commission to redirect the PATER Study's focus to sites that are not flood-prone and that have community support.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Norristown / West Norriton]