Press Release

PUC Allows Columbia Gas to Use Refund toward Hardship Fund

Published on 6/13/2013

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to allow Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc. (Columbia Gas) to use a portion of its refund proceeds from Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company (Tennessee) to increase funding of its existing hardship fund.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the petition by Columbia Gas to use $228,306 of its $330,351 Tennessee refund proceeds to help fund its existing residential hardship fund.  The remainder of the refund will be provided to small commercial and industrial customers receiving tariff sales services from Columbia.  In its petition, Columbia asserts that current economic conditions and a decreased availability of grant amounts under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program  (LIHEAP) have caused its customers to experience an increased need for payment assistance. Columbia Gas is receiving the refund from Tennessee due to a settlement approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) at Docket Number RP11-1566, in relation to Tennessee's approved base rate increase for pipelines utilized by Columbia.

Columbia Gas provides natural gas service to 415,000 customers in 26 counties in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. 

For recent news releases, video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.  Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket Number P-2012-2314912

Contact:

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