Press Release

PUC Sets Public Input Hearings on Duquesne Light’s Proposed Rate Increase

Published on 6/26/2006

Filed under: Electric

               Holiday Inn

               Pierce Room

               7195 Eastwood Road, Beaver Falls

              10 a.m. July 13, 2006

              Shaler Villa Volunteer Fire Co.

              960 Saxonburg Blvd., Pittsburgh

              2 p.m. July 13, 2006

              Castle Shannon Fire Department

              3600 Library Road, Pittsburgh

              On May 4, 2006, the PUC voted to investigate a Duquesne Light request to increase its rates by about $162.7 million. The company’s proposal increases the monthly bill for an average customer using 600 kwh per month to about $76 a month from about $64 (19 percent). Duquesne Light serves about 587,227 customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties.

              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.

              Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decision in the case.  The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate, which represents residential customers in rate cases, offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• Come early.  Try to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the hearing.
• Sign in to testify when you arrive.  The judge will call witnesses to speak from the order they have signed in.
• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it’s not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies.  If you have a written statement or have other papers you want to give the judge as evidence, please bring copies with you.  Bring an original, two copies for the court reporter and several copies for active participants in the case.
• Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you affirm that the testimony you are about to give is truthful.
• Plan to be questioned.  Sometimes, parties in the case may want to ask you a question about something you said.  Listen to the whole question.  Answer as best you can.  It’s OK if you don’t know the answer.

          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 Internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us.

# # #

Docket Nos. R-00061346; R-00061346C0002; R-00061346C0003; R-00061346C0004; R-00061346C0005; R-00061346C0006

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722