Choosing an Alternative Energy Supplier in Pennsylvania

and the utility’s charges for implementation of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards. The price to compare may be adjusted quarterly, but not seasonally.

When a customer shops for electricity, the customer should ask competitive suppliers to provide the customer with the price to compare so the customer can make an apples-to-apples comparison. Also, ask how long the price is effective and verify if taxes or other fees are included in the price to compare.

Where can a customer find information on current supplier prices?

Thomas Pendleton is a partner at MacDonald Illig Attorneys and concentrates his practice on business matters, including preparing agreements and commercial litigation. These agreements include leases of oil and gas interests, covenants not to compete, and contracts governed by the Uniform Commercial Code.

Over the past several years, the cost of utilities has increased, along with the cost of many other goods and services. One of the ways that consumers and businesses may be able to save money is by choosing an alternative energy supplier. Alternative energy suppliers are available for both electricity and natural gas. Before making the decision to choose an alternative energy supplier, here are some issues to consider, as well as things to keep track of during the contract:

1. What rate will the supplier charge?

Electricity rates can be fixed, which means for at least three billing cycles or for the term of the contract, whichever is longer. Even with a fixed rate, you must know when your contract ends. Unless you act prior to the end of the contract, your fixed rate may change to a variable monthly rate. You should read your contract’s disclosure statement for the terms and conditions to find out what happens after the term expires.

2. If you choose a variable rate, that rate can change by the day, week or month, depending on the terms in the supplier’s disclosure statement. If you select a variable rate, the rate may change with market conditions. If market conditions cause the price to go up, your rate will go up. If market prices drop, your rate may go down.

Of course, fixed rates may also go up in accordance with the schedule determined by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (“PUC”). Cold temperatures in winter or a heat wave in summer may increase electricity demand. These market conditions may cause an increase in utility costs, regardless of whether the rate is fixed or variable.

What is the price to compare?

An electricity distribution company’s (“EDC”) price to compare is the price per kilowatt hour (kWh) which the EDC will charge including charges for generation and transmission, the state’s gross receipts tax,

Many electric suppliers in Pennsylvania list their prices and other terms and conditions on the website, PAPowerSwitch.com. If a supplier is not found on this website, then the customer will need to contact the supplier directly. A customer should also ask for a supplier’s historical pricing information. Pennsylvania regulations require suppliers to provide up to two years of historical pricing data at a customer’s request.

Many of these same considerations exist for selecting a natural gas supplier. Rates and plans will vary based upon whether the customer is a residence, a small business or a large business. The natural gas supplier (which owns the wells or source of natural gas) and natural gas distribution company (which owns the pipelines that deliver the gas) each have their own pricing plans. These pricing plans may include introductory rates, cancellation policies and discounts available to certain customers.

Consumers and businesses who shop carefully and who understand the contracts being offered to them by the alternative energy providers may be able to save money on their utility costs. As with any contract, it is important to review the contract carefully and consult a legal professional if further guidance is needed.

For more information, contact Thomas Pendleton at MacDonald Illig Attorneys at 814/870-7624 or tpendleton@mijb.com

ACUTEC SECURES LTA PART ORDER WITH ESTIMATED WORTH OF $90 MILLION OVER NEXT THREE YEARS

Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc. has secured a Long Term Agreement (LTA) with a multibillion-dollar aerospace customer consisting of 230 unique parts that support commercial and military aviation and power generation, the company recently announced. The systems supported by these parts include: engine, fuel and air control, hydraulic and actuation. The LTA is valued at approximately $90 million over the next three years.

According to the company, Acutec’s mission is striving to be the most respected partner in the aerospace industry, and being a partner that can handle this level of volume is critical in achieving this mission. Made up of employee-owners in over 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space, the company is fully equipped to support its partners’ growth objectives as the industry continues to soar.

Acutec CEO Elisabeth Smith adds, “Acutec is pleased that we’ve been able to respond to the long-term supply chain needs of the Aerospace industry and solidify our partnerships with key customers for years to come. It not only demonstrates our commitment to growth but also highlights the unwavering support and belief we have in our talented team. This is not just a win for Acutec but for our communities and local suppliers with whom we share our success.”

Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc. is an award-winning, family and employee owned aerospace manufacturer providing critical components for the aviation industry.

Founded in 1988, Acutec is a precision machined metal component and subassembly supplier for aerospace and defense applications. The organization is a subcontractor both directly and indirectly for numerous platforms including, but not limited to: fixed wing, rotary wing, space, power generation and naval programs. These components are made from a diverse set of metals including inconel, titanium and novel materials.

Acutec provides the services that customers require to meet their aerospace and defense commitments by providing: CNC Milling, CNC Turning, EDM, Grinding, Assembly & Kitting, and NDT & Finishing. Acutec partners with its suppliers, with full documentation, engineering and supply systems (JIT) support. With two locations in Northwestern Pennsylvania and one in South Carolina, Acutec runs the newest in CNC machining equipment, is AS9100D and ISO9001 certified, and multiple NADCAP certifications.

For more information, visit acutecprecision.com.

Channellock Named Official Skillsusa Techspo Sponsor

Channellock, Inc. recently was named the Official 2023 Sponsor of SkillsUSA TECHSPO Trade Show, the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce, held June 20–22 in Atlanta. Channellock’s TECHSPO sponsorship and donation of CHANNELLOCK® tools are part of its continued effort to develop a skilled domestic workforce and close the national skills gap.

“We are excited to once again sponsor the SkillsUSA TECHSPO Trade Show as part of our ongoing efforts to encourage young people to take an interest in the skilled trades,” said Ryan DeArment, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Channellock, in a press release before the trade show. “SkillsUSA’s mission to provide career and technical-based education opportunities is directly aligned with our company’s goal of encouraging workforce development and closing our nation’s skills gap.”

During TECHSPO, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with leaders in industry and education, as well as compete in various trade, technical and leadership fields.

“Our participation with SkillsUSA is part of a greater effort to encourage interest in the trades at a young age and give young people the information and resources they need to excel at their chosen career,” said DeArment. “Initiatives like Trade School Trade-Up and Trades 101 are other ways we support the trades by helping prospective students find trade schools and improving existing trade school programs.”

Learn more about Channellock’s commitment to the trades, including their Trade School Trade-Up and Trades 101 initiatives, as well as their partnership with SkillsUSA, by visiting the company’s Trades 101 page on channellock.com.

Channellock, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of high-quality pliers and assorted hand tools, including its iconic, American-made CHANNELLOCK® Tongue & Groove Pliers. Founded by George B. DeArment in 1886, the Meadvillebased company is now in its fifth generation of family ownership and operation.

For more information, visit channellock.com.

SMGI ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL MERGER OF BARNHART TRANSPORTATION, 5J GROUP

SMG Industries Inc. (SMGI), a transportation services company focused on the domestic infrastructure logistics market, recently announced the successful merger of the Barnhart Transportation group of companies (Barnhart), a 20 year-old established logistics service provider based in Pennsylvania with the 5J Group, a super heavy haul and crane and rigging transportation company based in Houston, Texas. According to a press release, the successful closing of this strategic merger not only approximately doubles SMGI’s annual revenue and increase its adjusted EBITDA, but also brings operational and revenue diversification, strengthens the Company’s balance sheet and adds exceptional expertise to its leadership team. The total acquisition consists of Barnhart Transportation, LLC, Barnhart Fleet Maintenance, LLC, Lake Shore Logistics, LLC, Lake Shore Global Solutions, LLC, Legend Equipment Leasing, LLC and Route 20 Tank Wash, LLC, which specializes in a wide range of transportation services, including full truck load, dry bulk, liquids, intermodal, LTL, heavy haul, drayage, transload, and an “asset lite” brokerage business.

Brothers Tim and Bryan Barnhart, the leaders behind Barnhart Transportation, bring a wealth of experience, expertise and leadership to SMGI. Over the past two decades, they have successfully diversified the company’s footprint to meet evolving customer needs. Their commitment to operational excellence and financial prudence has established a foundation of fiscal responsibility and sustainability. “Anticipating market trends and making strategic investments have been key to staying ahead in the dynamic global logistics market,” explained Tim Barnhart, the company’s new chief financial officer and Board member.

“The acquisition of Barnhart Transportation by SMG Industries is a significant milestone for both companies,” added Bryan Barnhart, newly appointed CEO and Board member.

MACDONALD ILLIG ATTORNEYS RECOGNIZED AS 2023 PA SUPER LAWYERS, RISING STARS

MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP recently announced that partners W. Patrick Delaney, John W. Draskovic, Nicholas R. Pagliari, Lisa Smith Presta and Roger H. Taft have been selected as 2023 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Only 5 percent of attorneys in Pennsylvania are chosen to receive this distinction.

Delaney is a trial lawyer and has experience litigating a wide variety of matters, from shareholder disputes to personal injury. In general, the focus of his practice is commercial litigation. Draskovic, chair of MacDonald Illig’s Workers’ Compensation Practice Group, is recognized for his work in the area of Workers’ Compensation. Also, a member of the Firm’s Litigation Practice Group and Labor and Employment Practice Group, he represents individuals and businesses in a variety of matters including workers’ compensation, employment and business-related claims.

Pagliari is chair of MacDonald Illig’s Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Practice Group. His practice is concentrated in the areas of corporate restructuring and bankruptcy, bankruptcy-related litigation and collection matters. He primarily represents corporate debtors, secured creditors, Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 trustees, and other entities involved in bankruptcy proceedings.

Presta is a trial lawyer and chair of the firm’s Litigation Department. She handles complex, multi-party litigation, including breach of contract matters, the defense of employment claims, and the defense of professional liability cases. She regularly appears in federal and state courts, before administrative agencies, and in arbitration tribunals.

Taft is a principal trial lawyer at MacDonald Illig whose practice is focused on employment litigation, including employment discrimination and wrongful discharge cases, and complex commercial litigation.

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area. Additionally, partner Jamie Schumacher and associates Lydia Caparosa, Brian Cressman, Lauren Holler, Michael Micsky, Emilie Swan Reinhardt and Ashley Solo have been selected to the 2023 Pennsylvania Rising Stars list. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

Caparosa primarily focuses her practice on municipal law, representing municipalities and private individuals. She is an active member in the Erie County Bar Association and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Council.

Cressman focuses his practice on counseling businesses and school districts. His practice tracks the day-to-day issues faced by businesses and school districts, including contract drafting, labor and employment matters, organizational management and succession issues, and dealing with supply chain disputes.

Holler, who is licensed in Pennsylvania and Ohio, focuses her practice on traditional labor law and employment law representing private and public employers.

Micsky works in the firm’s Real Estate & Banking, Business Transactions, Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics, and Government Services Practice Groups. He has experience working with public and private clients of all sizes and types, both domestically and internationally.

Reinhardt focuses her practice on estate, trust, and elder care planning, estate administration, tax planning and real estate matters. She is a member of the Erie County Bar Association and a Board Member of Junior Achievement.

Schumacher is a trial lawyer appearing in both federal and state courts. She is a member of the firm’s Commercial/General Litigation Practice Group, Labor & Employment Practice Group, and Government Services Practice Group. Her experience includes a wide variety of litigation matters. Schumacher is the current chair of the Erie County Bar Association’s Civil Litigation Section and a member of the Erie County Bar Association’s Women’s Division and multiple committees.

Attorney Solo works in the Commercial/General Litigation and Insurance/Personal Injury Practice Groups. Her practice focuses on insurance defense, workers’ compensation, tax assessment and tax exemption litigation, environmental matters, and general litigation. She is a member of the Erie County Bar Association. She is also a board member of Game Changer Sports Ministry and a member of Penn State Behrend’s Political Science Advisory Board.