Press Release

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve a settlement that will allow PFG Gas and North Penn Gas Company to increase base rates by $9.3 million (9.5 percent).

The company had originally requested a $14.4 million (12.88 percent) rate increase.

Under the settlement, the average monthly residential bill for customers using 8,000 cubic feet of gas per month would increase $8 from $65 to $73. The rate increase would affect approximately 73,155 residential customers in 34 counties.

The proposed increase will become effective on a one-day notice once approved by the Commission. The company last raised its rates in 1998.

The company said the increase is needed to recover current operational and maintenance expenses. PUC Administrative Law Judge Debra Paist recommended on December 19, 2000, that the settlement be approved.

PFG Gas and North Penn Gas Company provide service in Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Carbon, Center, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Jefferson, Juniata, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northhampton, Northumberland, Potter, Schuylkill, Tioga, Union and Venango counties.