Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Increase than Requested for Peoples Natural Gas Co.

Published on 6/9/2011

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a lower rate increase than requested for Peoples Natural Gas Co.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a settlement allowing the company to increase its annual rates by $53 million.  The company had originally proposed an annual increase in rates of $70.2 million (21.4 percent).  The settlement was reached among the company, the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff, the Office of Consumer Advocate, the Office of Small Business Advocate, Dominion Retail Inc. EQT Energy LLC, Interstate Gas Supply Inc., Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association and Direct Energy Services LLC. 

PUC Commissioner James H. Cawley issued a statement.

As part of the settlement, the average annual bill for a residential customer using 90.7 Mcf per year will increase from $73.09 per month to $85.02 per month (16.3 percent) in three years, following the expiration of a credit that will be applied during that time.

Peoples Natural Gas Co. provides natural gas service to about 357,455 customers in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

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-2010-2201702

Contact:

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