Press Release

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a $33,648 (14.35 percent) rate increase for Walker Gas and Oil Company in Butler County.

The company had asked for a $42,537 (18.14 percent) annual rate increase.

Under the new rate, the bill of an average residential customer using 96 Mcf (thousand cubic feet) of natural gas per year will increase approximately $111, from $767 to $878. The last rate increase was in 1990.

The proposed increase will become effective on five day’s notice once the company files a tariff with the PUC.

If the company fails to file a new tariff, the case will be suspended until Aug. 12, 2002, and assigned to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement. The recommended decision or settlement then will be sent to the Commissioners to make the final decision in a public meeting in Harrisburg.

Walker Gas and Oil Company said the increase is needed to cover increased operations costs.

The company serves approximately 298 residential customers and four commercial customers in Bruin Township, Butler County.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.