Press Release

    Under the settlement, average monthly residential heating bills for gas customers will increase $4, from $78 to $82. Under the company’s proposal, bills would have gone to $87. PG Energy also agrees not to file for another rate increase before February 29, 2000.

    "It is abundantly clear that all the company’s ratepayers will benefit from Commission approval of the agreement", said PUC Administrative Law Judge Richard Lovenwirth in recommending approval of the settlement. "It will maintain a financially healthy company which will be able to attract capital at the lowest possible interest rates, and will be able to more effectively compete with other providers of industrial energy suppliers."

    Parties to the settlement were the company, the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff, the state offices of consumer advocate and small business advocate, PGE Industrial Intervenors, The Proctor and Gamble Paper Products Company and the U.S. Department of the Army.

    On April 23, the PUC suspended the company’s filing for investigation. Lovenwirth held public input hearings in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Kingston Township, and six technical hearings in Scranton and Harrisburg.

    PG Energy serves 147,016 customers in 13 northeastern and central counties.

    For recent press releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet home page: http://puc.paonline.com.

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