Press Release

PUC Schedules Public Input Hearing for Herman Riemer Gas Co. Rate Increase Request

Published on 10/2/2012

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a hearing to receive public comment on the proposed base rate changes by Herman Riemer Gas Co.

Administrative law judge (ALJ) Mark A. Hoyer will conduct the hearing at:

6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012

Freeport Area Senior High School Auditorium

(Auditorium is to the left of the main entrance)

625 S. Pike Road

Sarver, PA 16055

On July 19, 2012, the Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the request to increase revenues by $405,202 (77.5 percent). Under the company’s proposal, the monthly bill for the average residential customer using 6.25 Mcf per month would increase $46.38 (75.86 percent) from $61.14 to $107.52.

The request is suspended for up to seven months and has been assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for a recommended decision or settlement. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

Herman Riemer Gas Co. provides natural gas service to approximately 590 residential customers in Butler County.

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 are attending an in-person hearing.  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.pa.gov.

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 Docket No. R-2012-2302261

Contact:

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