Press Release

PUC to Investigate Rate Increase Request by Equitable Gas Co.

Published on 8/21/2008

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate a proposed annual rate increase of $51.9 million (10 percent) for gas service by Equitable Gas Co. 

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the company’s proposal that would increase the monthly bill for an average residential customer using 7.5 Mcf per month from $142.63 a month to $157.14 a month.

The Commission will assign the case to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for a Recommended Decision.  The Commission has until March 30, 2009, to make its final decision at a Public Meeting in Harrisburg. 

The company provides service to approximately 258,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the City of Pittsburgh and in portions of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Fayette, Green, Indiana, Jefferson, Washington and Westmoreland counties.  According to the company, the reason for the increase is to cover rising operating and maintenance expenses, as well as to recover costs of investments in the utility’s plant and investments to improve the quality of service for its customers. 

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-2008-2029325

Contact:

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