Press Release

PUC Schedules Second Public Input Hearing June 29 for Requested Rate Increase by Columbia Gas of PA

Published on 6/15/2016

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a second hearing to gather public input on a rate increase request filed by Columbia Gas of PA Inc. (Columbia).

The hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at the following location:

Courthouse Square of Washington County
Public Meeting Room 103
First Floor
101 W. Beau Street
Washington, PA  15301
 

Rate Increase Request

Under the request submitted by Columbia, annual revenues would increase by $55.3 million (11.2 percent) and the average total monthly bill for a residential customer using 70 therms of gas per month would increase from $77.33 to $86.97 (12.5 percent).

On April 21, 2016, the Commission voted to suspend the increase for up to seven months and assigned the matter to PUC Administrative Law Judge Katrina L. Dunderdale for a public hearing and a recommended decision. A final decision must be made by Dec. 19, 2016.

Columbia provides natural gas service to about 421,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in portions of 26 counties in western, northwestern, central and southern Pennsylvania.

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

Offering Comment at a Hearing

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments. Their testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision.

The PUC and Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate, including:

• 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, 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; 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 and 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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No. R-2016-2529660
 

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov