Press Release

PUC Approves Gas Cost Rate Increase for Clarion County Gas Co.

Published on 12/5/2012

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve an increase to the annual gas cost rate (GCR) for Pine Roe Gas Co., Clarion County.

The approved rate, which will become effective Dec. 1, 2012, is:

New: $3.8914/Mcf

Current: $3.6268/Mcf

Percent change: 7.3 percent

The primary reason for the interim increase is that Pine Roe, in its annual GCR which became effective on Nov. 1, 2012, underestimated the cost of purchased gas from its non-affiliated gas supplier.   In proposing interim rate changes, a utility company recalculates its rates to reflect what it projects to pay for natural gas during the remaining GCR period. 

Gas utilities are required to provide reliable natural gas service at the least possible cost.  Every natural gas utility company is audited annually by the PUC to ensure the GCR they are passing on to their consumers reflects the costs the company paid and that every effort was made to purchase the natural gas for the least possible price. The Commission has the ability to make adjustments in the annual or interim GCR proceedings and order refunds to customers if the utility is found to have acted imprudently.

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, video and 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. M-2012-2326451

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722