Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Columbia Gas

Published on 10/27/2016

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve a lower revenue increase than what was originally requested by Columbia Gas of PA Inc. (Columbia Gas).

The Commission approved an increase in annual rates of $35 million in additional annual operating revenues, or a 7.12 percent increase. The company had originally requested an increase of $55.3 million (11.2 percent). According to the approved settlement, the total monthly bill for an average residential customer using approximately 70 therms per month will increase from $77.33 to $83.05 (7.34 percent).

The settlement was reached among Columbia Gas, the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, the Office of Consumer Advocate, Office of Small Business Advocate, Columbia Industrial Intervenors, Dominion Retail Inc., Shipley Energy Company, Interstate Gas Supply Inc., AMERIGreen Energy, Coalition for Affordable Utility Services and Energy Efficiency in Pennsylvania, Community Action Association of PA, the Pennsylvania State University, Direct Energy Business LLC, Direct Energy Services LLC, and Direct Energy Business Marketing LLC.  The settlement also includes a program that provides alternative options to finance the upfront cost of gas extension projects for large commercial and industrial customers. The Commission has an ongoing commitment to improving access to low-cost energy, and continues to encourage utilities to develop these programs.

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.

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 Number        R-2016-2529660

Contact:

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