Press Release

PUC to Investigate Rate Increase Request for Columbia Gas

Published on 3/25/2010

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate a proposed rate increase for Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc.

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 is suspended for up to seven months until Oct. 29, 2010, and will be 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.

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.

# # #

Docket No.   R-2009-2149262

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722