Press Release

PUC Investigates T.W. Phillips Annual Rate Increase Request

Published on 4/6/2006

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG, Pa – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate a T.W. Phillips Gas and Oil Co. request to increase gas rates by $21.6 million.

The Commission voted unanimously to investigate the company’s proposal that increases the annual bill for an average customer using 100 MCF of natural gas by about $276 (18.3 percent). The average annual residential bill would increase from about $1,512 to $1,788.

The proposal is suspended for up to seven months from its April 14, 2006 proposed effective date and assigned to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement. The Commission has until the end of the seven-month period to make a final decision at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

According to the company’s filing, the proposed increase would allow the company to provide revenues to recover the cost of providing gas service; properly maintain its facilities; continue to furnish adequate, safe and reliable service and provide the opportunity to approach a fair and reasonable rate of return on the fair value of property used or useful in rendering service.

T.W. Phillips serves about 59,500 customers in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Clearfield, Indiana, Jefferson and Westmoreland counties.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. R-00051178

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