Press Release

PUC Investigates Rate Increase Request by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc.

Published on 3/27/2008

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate a rate increase request by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc.

The Commission voted 4-0 to investigate the request, which would increase the company’s annual revenues by $58.9 million (10.3 percent).  Under the company’s proposal, the monthly bill for an average residential customer using 7.2 Mcf would increase by about $10.99 from $102.95 to $113.94.

By operation of law, the proposed increase will be suspended for up to seven months from its proposed effective date.  The Commission voted to open an investigation and assign it to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement.  PUC Commissioners will then make a final decision by October 28, 2008.

The increase would affect about 370,556 residential, 37,914 commercial and 327 industrial customers in Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Butler, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, Westmoreland and York counties. 

According to the company, one of the reasons for the increase is to continue implementing an ongoing program that began last year to replace approximately 600,000 feet of aging underground pipes and distribution facilities each year, and to use state-of-the art technologies during the upgrades.

 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.

###

Docket No. R-2008-2011621

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov