Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Lower Base Rate Increase than Requested by Valley Energy

Published on 12/2/2010

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve a settlement for a lower base rate increase than requested by Valley Energy Inc.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the settlement for a $235,000 (6.3 percent) increase in base rates, which was agreed to by the company, the Office of Consumer Advocate, the Office of Small Business Advocate and the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff. The company’s original proposal asked for a $420,544 (11.2 percent) increase.

According to the settlement, the monthly bill for a residential customer using 7,100 cubic feet (ccf) a month will increase from $79.02 to $81.09 (2.62 percent). Under the company’s original proposal, the monthly bill for a residential customer using 71 ccf would increase to $82.80 (4.79 percent).

Valley Energy provides natural gas service to about 5,856 customers in Athens, Sayre, South Waverly and Towanda boroughs and Athens, North Towanda, Towanda, Ulster and Wysox townships, Bradford County.

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

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-2010-2174470

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