Press Release

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today presided over special public hearing testimony from utilities, consumers groups and government officials on current and projected natural gas prices, the forecasted supply and demand, programs to help consumers, and ways to increase consumer awareness related to gas prices for this winter.

 “This special hearing is an important first step for addressing potentially high natural gas prices,” said PUC Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli, who organized the hearing.

 “We look forward to working with each of the panel members in the days and months ahead as we learn more about what prices will be for the winter and what programs are available to Pennsylvania consumers,” said PUC Chairman Terrance J. Fitzpatrick.

 Under the informal en banc hearing process, the Commissioners posed questions to the speakers after their testimony. The speakers explained how higher natural gas prices during the upcoming heating season are going to affect their agencies, homes, businesses and funding abilities for 2003-04.
          Participants in today’s meeting included: government agencies, consumer groups, private citizens and industry groups. 
            In addition, utility consumer-education materials related to natural gas prices and programs were available for anyone with questions or concerns.

 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.

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