Press Release

PUC Directs $318,006 in Refunds for Columbia Gas to Help Low-Income Customers, Some Small Business Customers

Published on 4/26/2012

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a petition by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania to contribute proceeds stemming from a settlement with Columbia Gulf Transmission Co. to programs that help low-income customers pay their bills and to provide refunds for some small business customers.

 The Commission voted 5-0 to allow Columbia to contribute the residential portion of the proceeds it received from the settlement to its Hardship Fund. Columbia’s Hardship Fund, which provides assistance grants to customers who may not qualify for other financial assistance programs, or to those who still have a critical need for assistance when there are no other resources, will receive $219,774. The total amount refunded to small commercial customers will be about $98,232.

“I wish to commend Columbia Gas for its approach here,” said PUC Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer. “This is exactly the kind of outside-the-box thinking that the Commission looks for and encourages.”

Columbia provides natural gas service to approximately 373,000 residential and 38,000 commercial customers in Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Butler, Centre, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, Westmoreland and York counties.

On Dec. 1, 2011, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Order on a Gulf rate case, approving a settlement between Gulf and active parties including Columbia. The new rates approved by FERC netted refunds of about $16 million to be issued before the end of March 2012. Columbia’s estimated share of the refunds is about $318,006.

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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