Press Release

PUC Approves Columbia Gas Pilot Rider to Increase Affordability, Access to Natural Gas Service

Published on 10/23/2014

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a pilot program that changes the way Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania (Columbia Gas), a gas distribution utility, will charge customers for line extension projects.

“I have been a staunch proponent of innovative programs to encourage the extension of natural gas into underserved and unserved areas of the Commonwealth,” said PUC Commissioner Pamela Witmer in a statement.  “Pennsylvania sits on top of one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world.  As a result, Pennsylvania consumers, residential and industrial, should have every reasonable opportunity to take advantage of this efficient and clean burning natural resource.”

PUC Commissioner James H. Cawley also issued a separate statement.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the company’s implementation of the Pilot Rider New Area Service (NAS) program. Under most natural gas company tariffs, a customer who wishes to have natural gas service extended to their property must pay the cost of that line extension, which can run in the thousands of dollars, as an up-front payment. The Pilot Rider NAS program allows customers to pay the extension costs over 20 years as an on-bill monthly surcharge.  The monthly surcharge will remain the same for twenty years or until the customer pays off the remaining balance, whichever comes first.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket No. R-2014-2407345                                           

Contact:

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