Press Release

PUC Schedules Five Public Input Hearings in PGW Rate Increase Request

Published on 3/19/2010

Filed under: Gas

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

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Charles E. Rainey, Jr. will conduct the hearings at:

1 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 6, 2010

Community College of Philadelphia

Conference Room C2-28

18^th & Callowhill Streets

Philadelphia PA  19130

1 p.m. April 7, 2010

Community Academy of Philadelphia

1100 East Erie Ave.

Philadelphia PA  19124

7:00 p.m. April 7, 2010

George Washington High School Auditorium

10175 Bustleton Ave.

Philadelphia PA  19116

6 p.m. April 8, 2010

Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center Gymnasium

8501 Provident Ave.

Philadelphia PA  19150

On Feb. 11, 2010, the Commission voted to investigate the proposed $42.5 million (5.06 percent) increase.  The filing also seeks to have $60 million in emergency rate relief be included permanently in base rates. The company’s five-year gas Demand Side Management Plan will be consolidated with this proceeding.  The Commission must reach a decision by Sept. 16, 2010.

More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

PGW provides natural gas service to 467,800 residential, 24,900 commercial, 800 industrial, and 900 municipal customers in Philadelphia.

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 issue its final decision. The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• 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.
• Bring copies.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.

• 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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket no. R-2009-2139884; P-2009-2097639

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722