Press Release

PUC Sets Public Input Hearing on PPL Gas Rate Increase Request

Published on 8/2/2006

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a hearing to receive public comment on the proposed PPL gas rate increase.       

Administrative Law Judge Angel T. Jones will conduct the hearing at:

            7 p.m. Aug. 16, 2006                                                                                          

            Potter County Court House

            1 E. Second St., Coudersport           

            At the June 22 public meeting, the Commission voted to investigate PPL Gas request to increase gas rates by about $12.8 million.  The proposal would increase the annual bill for an average customer using 8 dekatherms of natural gas by about $127 (7.1 percent).  The average annual residential bill would increase from about $1,796 to $1,923.

            PPL Gas serves about 75,000 customers in 27 counties in Pennsylvania.

            Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearing 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-00061398

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722