Press Release

PUC Sets Public Input Hearings on Proposed PG Energy Rate Increase

Published on 7/3/2006

Filed under: Gas

         2 p.m. July 20, 2006

          Scranton State Office Building

         100 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton

          7 p.m. July 20, 2006

          McGowan School of Business

          Kings College, Burke Auditorium

          Corner of North River and West Union streets, Wilkes-Barre

          PG Energy has proposed increasing its gas rates by about $29.8 million. Under the proposal, the annual bill for an average customer using 9,700 MCF of natural gas will increase by about $146 (8.64 percent) to $1,833 a year.

          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. R-00061365

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722