Press Release

PUC Schedules Input Hearings for Columbia Gas Rate Increase Request

Published on 4/20/2010

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc.

Administrative Law Judge Wayne L. Weismandel will conduct a hearing at:

6 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Holiday Inn Express

Conference Room 110

40 Leader Heights Road

York PA  17403

Administrative Law Judge Robert P. Meehan will conduct a hearing at:

6 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2010

St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church

933 Brookline Boulevard

Pittsburgh PA  15226-2105

On March 25, 2010, the Commission voted 4-0 to investigate Columbia’s proposal to increase rates approximately $32.3 million (6.97 percent). Under Columbia’s proposal, the average total bill for a residential customer who purchases approximately 7.2 thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of gas per month would increase from $84.95 to $90.82 (6.9 percent).

The proposal was suspended for up to seven months until Oct. 29, 2010, and was assigned to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for a recommended decision or settlement. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

Columbia states that it is proposing the revenue increase in order to allow the Company the opportunity to recover revenue sufficient to cover its operating expenses and increases to rate base, and to provide a fair rate of return.

The Office of Consumer Advocate and Office of Small Business Advocate both filed formal complaints against Columbia’s proposed general rate increase. A number of other formal complaints, protests, and petitions to intervene were also filed by various customers of Columbia in this proceeding.

Columbia provides natural gas service to more than 413,000 customers in 26 counties in Pennsylvania.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision. The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• 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 have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, 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 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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket numbers: R-2009-2149262; C-2010-2157870; C-2010-2156929; C-2010-2160920; C-2010-2164559; C-2010-2167553; C-2010-2168994; C-2010-2169782

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722