Press Release

PUC Votes to Investigate National Fuel Gas Request for $23 Million Increase

Published on 10/22/2004

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate National Fuel Gas’ (NFG) request to raise base rates by $22.78 million (6.69 percent).

The proposed increase will be suspended for up to seven months from its proposed Nov. 14 effective date and assigned to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement.  PUC Commissioners have until the end of the seven-month period to make a final decision at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

As part of the investigation, Chairman Wendell F. Holland also requested that an evidentiary record be developed to examine the company’s relationships with third-party vendors who accept payments from NFG customers. Chairman Holland asked the judge to review the company’s customer notification process for bill payment procedures; to determine if payments collected by third parties are included in the company’s uncollectible amounts; and to examine whether NFG’s actions regarding third-party vendor services are consistent with the Public Utility Code.  

If the company’s rate request is approved as submitted, the average bill for a typical residential customer using 96 hundred cubic feet of gas per month would increase $8.83, from $117.82 to $126.65. The company provides service to approximately 214,000 customers in 14 northwestern Pennsylvania counties.

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 stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our internet homepage at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No.  R-00049656, R-00049757

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