Press Release

PUC Announces Public Input Hearing for Columbia Gas Rate Increase Request

Published on 4/18/2008

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two public input hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania (Columbia Gas).

Administrative Law Judge Kandace F. Melillo will conduct a hearing at:

7 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2008

York Expo Center

Horticultural Hall

334 Carlisle Ave.

York, PA 17404

Administrative Law Judge Katrina L. Dunderdale will conduct a hearing at:

7 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Holiday Inn – Ballroom

PA Turnpike Exit 13

7195 Eastwood Road

Beaver Falls, PA 15010

On Jan. 28, 2008, Columbia Gas filed proposed changes in rates, rules and regulations 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.  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.

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 make a final decision by Oct. 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.

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:

• 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 is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• If you have a written statement or other papers you want to provide as evidence, please bring copies with you for the Administrative Law Judge, court reporter and other active participants in the case. 
• Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is truthful.
• Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said. 

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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Docket No. R-2008-2011621

Contact:

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