Press Release

PUC Sets Public Input Hearings NFG Rate Increase Request

Published on 8/9/2006

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled five hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase by National Fuel Gas Distribution Co. (NFG).

      Administrative Law Judges John H. Corbett Jr. and Mark A. Hoyer will conduct the hearings at:

       2 and 7 p.m. Aug. 28, 2006

      Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center

      7792 Peach St., Erie

      2 p.m. Aug. 29, 2006

      William Douglas Corporate Conference Center

      764 Bessemer St., Meadville

      7 p.m. Aug. 29, 2006

      Farrell City Building

      500 Roemer Blvd. Farrell

      1 p.m. Aug. 30, 2006

      Franklin Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Building

      411 Ninth St., Franklin

      On May 31, 2006, NFG filed a request to increase base natural gas rates by about $25.9 million (6.1 percent). The public input hearings are a part of a Commission investigation into the proposal. The Commission has until March 2, 2007, to make a final decision at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

     Under the proposal, the annual bill for an average customer using about 995 ccf of natural gas will increase by about $146 from about $1,728 to $1,874. The proposal includes a $10 increase in the company’s customer charge.

     NFG serves about 210,000 customers in Armstrong, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties.

     According to the company’s filing, the proposed increase would provide revenues sufficient to recoup decreased sales, increased operating expenses and increases to rate base. It also would provide an operating income that more nearly approaches an overall fair rate of return, the filing said.

      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 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-00061493

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722