Press Release

PUC Sets Public Input Hearings on Proposed Sale of Dominion Peoples to Equitable

Published on 6/29/2006

Filed under: Gas

        2 and 7 p.m. July 18, 2006

        Allegheny County Courthouse

        Room 410, 436 Grant St., Pittsburgh

        On March 31, 2006, Equitable and Dominion Peoples filed a joint application with the PUC for the sale of Dominion Peoples’ natural gas distribution utilities in Pennsylvania to Equitable. Dominion Peoples serves about 357,000 homes in central and southwestern Pennsylvania. Equitable serves about 270,000 homes in southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Dominion’s parent company also is seeking to sell its West Virginia operations to Equitable.

        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.

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Docket No. A-122250F5000

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722