Press Release

PUC to Investigate Pike County Light & Power’s Electric and Natural Gas Distribution Rate Increase Requests

Published on 12/17/2020

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate proposed rate increases submitted by Pike County Light & Power Co. (PCL&P) to increase its electric and natural gas distribution rates.

The Commission voted 4-0 to suspend the proposed rate increase requests for up to seven months from the time the rates would otherwise have become effective, and to assign the case to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge (OALJ) for corresponding proceedings and the issuance of a recommended decision. A final decision must be made by July 28, 2021.

PCL&P’s requests, filed in late October, would increase annual operating revenues by approximately $1.933 million (24.7%) for electric, and by $262,000 (16%) for natural gas. Under the company’s proposals, the total monthly bill for a residential customer using 674 kWh would increase from $103.90 to $121.90 (17.3%), while the total monthly bill for a residential heating customer using 80 Ccf would increase from $93.57 to $111.97 (19.7%).

Public input hearings to gather comments about PCL&P’s rate increase requests will be scheduled by the OALJ and publicized when dates and locations have been finalized. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

In Pike County, PCL&P provides service to approximately 4,800 residential and commercial electric customers, and approximately 1,200 residential and commercial natural gas customers.

The PUC balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No.:  R-2020-3022134; R-2020-3022135

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov