Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Clarion River Gas

Published on 8/7/2008

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve a lower annual rate increase than requested for gas service by Clarion River Gas, a division of Orwell Natural Gas Company.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve an increase of $19,009 (6.06 percent).  The company’s original request was to increase rates by about $25,835 (8.23 percent).  Under the new rates, the average monthly bill for a customer using 8 Mcf per month will increase from $93.30 to $99.38 (6.52 percent).

Clarion River Gas furnishes metered gas service to approximately 315 residential and commercial customers in portions of Clarion, Elk, Forest and Jefferson counties. According to the company’s filing, one reason for the proposed increase is to recover its maintenance expense that is expected to increase as it replaces old steel pipe, some of which is above ground, with new plastic pipe which will be replaced underground.  The company last raised its rates in 1996.

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, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. R-2008-2039279

Contact:

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