Press Release

PUC Investigates Duquesne Light Rate Increase Request

Published on 5/4/2006

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate a Duquesne Light Co. request to increase its rates by about $162.7 million.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the company’s proposal that increases the monthly bill for an average customer using 600 kwh per month to about $76 a month from about $64 (19 percent).

The PUC suspended the proposal and assigned it to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision. The Commission has until Jan. 6, 2007, to make its final decision at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

According to the company’s filing, the proposed increase would provide needed funds for the company to operate and provide reliable service to its customers while providing a fair rate of return on the company’s investment and enabling the company to maintain its creditworthiness at a level sufficient to raise the capital necessary to complete necessary infrastructure improvements.

Duquesne Light serves about 587,227 customers in Allegheny and Beaver 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-00061346

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