Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Pike County Light & Power Co. Natural Gas Division

Published on 2/26/2009

Filed under: Gas

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve a settlement for a base rate increase for Pike County Light & Power Co. natural gas division (PCL&P). 

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the settlement, which was reached between the company, the Office of Consumer Advocate, Office of the Small Business Advocate and the Commission’s Office of Trial Staff. 

Under the terms of the settlement, PCL&P will be permitted to raise its natural gas rates approximately $260,000 (13.3 percent), which will produce an overall increase in annual operating revenues.  The company was originally requesting an increase of $425,000 (21.4 percent). 

An average customer using 100 Ccf of natural gas a month will see their bill increase from $143.23 to $163.07 (13.8 percent) a month. Under the original proposal, the customers’ bill would have increased from $143.23 to $176.31 (23.1 percent) a month.

The rates will become effective on or after April 16, 2009.  PCL&P also agreed that it will not file for an increase in base rates prior to April 16, 2010.  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s Web site.

PCL&P provides electricity and natural gas service to approximately 4,600 customers in the Pennsylvania communities of Dingman, Matamoras, Milford and Westfall, Pike County.  PCL&P's parent company is Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc.

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 Nos. R-2008-2046520; C-2008-2059428; C-2008-2059680; C-2008-2059605

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