Press Release

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate National Fuel Distribution Corporation’s request for a $16.5 million rate increase.

Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill of an average residential customer using 9,600 cubic feet of natural gas per month will increase approximately $78, from $1,145 to $1,223 (6.8 percent).  The rate increase would affect approximately 192,855 residential customers.   

The company said the increase is needed to help upgrade service and meet its operating expenses.

The proposed increase will be suspended for up to seven months from its June 15 proposed effective date and assigned to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement. The recommended decision will be sent to the Commissioners to make the final decision in a public meeting.

The last rate increase was in 2001. National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation provides service in the counties of Armstrong, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren.

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.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage at http://puc.paonline.com.

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