Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Equitable Gas Co.

Published on 2/26/2009

Filed under: Gas

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) voted today to approve a settlement for a lower rate than requested by Equitable Gas Co. (Equitable).

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the settlement, which was reached between the company, the Office of Consumer Advocate, the Office of the Small Business Advocate, the Commission’s Office of Trial Staff and other formal complainants.

Under the terms of the settlement, the company will be permitted to increase annual operating revenues by $38.35 million. The company was originally requesting an increase of about $51.95 million.

The bill for an average residential customer using 7.3 Mcf of natural gas a month will see their bill increase from $138.33 a month to $149.26 (7.2 percent) a month. Under the original proposal, the customer's bill would have increased to $152.17 (10 percent) a month.

Equitable cannot file a general base rate case prior to April 1, 2010.  The new rates will become effective prior to March 30, 2009.  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s Web site.

Equitable Gas Company provides natural gas service to approximately 275,000 homes, businesses and industrial organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania and north central West Virginia.

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 Nos.  R-2008-2029325; C-2008-2058992; C-2008-2059011; C-2008-2059017; C-2008-2053054; C-2008-2055860; C-2008-2056350; C-2008-2059388; C-2008-2059835; C-2008-2061316; C-2008-2063460; C-2008-2063515; C-2008-2066354

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722