Press Release

PUC to Announce Public Input Hearings in PGW Rate Increase Request

Published on 3/9/2007

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG– The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled four public input hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase by Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW).

Administrative Law Judges Cynthia W. Fordham and Angela T. Jones will conduct the hearings at:

            6 p.m. March 26, 2007

            Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center – gym

            8501 Provident Ave.

            Philadelphia, PA  19150

            7 p.m. March 28, 2007

            George Washington High School– auditorium

            10175 Bustleton Ave.

            Philadelphia, PA  19116

            1 and 7 p.m. April 9, 2007

            Community College of Philadelphia

            Conference Room c2-28

            18^th and Callowhill streets

            Philadelphia, PA  19130

On Dec. 22, 2006, PGW filed to increase base rates byabout $107 million (11 percent). The public input hearings are a part of a Commission investigation into the proposal. The Commission has until Sept. 28, 2007, to make a final decision at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average customer using about 89 mcf of natural gas by about $160. The average annual residential bill would increase from about $1,727 to $1,887 (9.3 percent). PGW serves about 496,000 customers in Philadelphia.

According to the company’s filing, the proposed increase would provide revenues sufficient to recoup decreased sales, increased operating expenses and increases to its 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 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 news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722