Press Release

PUC OKs Equitable Gas Co. Request to Continue to Use Federal Refund to Support Low-Income Energy Assistance Programs

Published on 10/19/2006

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved Equitable Gas Co’s request to continue to use money from a federal refund to be used for low-income energy assistance programs.

“As the temperatures begin to drop, this Commission will continue to work with the state’s utility companies to ensure our neighbors in need have every opportunity to stay warm this winter,” said PUC Chairman Wendell F. Holland. “It’s important that we prepare now for the winter heating costs.”

The Commission voted unanimously to allow Equitable to use about $3.2 million to help low-income customers pay their bill during the 2006-07 winter heating season. The PUC’s Bureau of Audits will review the company’s use of these funds at the conclusion of the heating season.

In December 2005, PUC approved the company’s plan to use $7 million from a federal refund for low-income energy assistance for the 2005-06 winter heating season. Due to warmer temperatures, the number of low-income residential customer assistance applications received by the company was insufficient to make full use of the $7 million.

Equitable serves about 257,000 customers in western Pennsylvania in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent new releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. P-00062238

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