Press Release

PUC Ratifies Emergency Order Suspending Weather Normalization Adjustments for May 2022 for Philadelphia Gas Works Customers

Published on 7/14/2022

Filed under: Gas

PGW Directed to File Internal Investigative Report with the PUC; Comments Sought from Consumer Advocates and Other Interested Parties

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today ratified an Emergency Order enabling Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) to eliminate the Weather Normalization Adjustment (WNA) clause in its tariff for May 2022.  This effectively reverses the related WNA charges on consumer bills for May usage – returning approximately $12.4 million or more to PGW customers. 

Note:  Some PGW customers may have received a credit on their bills for the month of May, rather than a charge, as the result of the initial WNA calculations.  Even though the May 2022 WNA has now been eliminated, PGW will not attempt to recover those credits from customers.

Today’s 3-0 vote ratified Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille’s July 1, 2022, Emergency Order in response to PGW’s Petition for Emergency Order.  In its petition, PGW noted “unusually large and unanticipated charges to customers in the majority of billing cycles with May usage.” 

In addition to permitting PGW to eliminate application of the WNA clause for May 2022 and to issue refunds to consumers, today’s ratification order directs PGW to file, within 30 days, the results of its internal investigation of the WNA formula, the inputs, and current information about weather trends affecting May, as well as to “determine whether the WNA mechanism or formula should be revised based on weather or otherwise.”

PGW is required to file the internal investigation report with the PUC as well as serve it on the parties of record (at Pa. Public Utility Commission v. Philadelphia Gas Works, Docket No. R-2017-2586783). 

After the PGW report is filed with the Commission, interested persons will have 20 days to file comments with the PUC concerning the report.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission 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” PA Public Utility Commission” on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket No.:  P-2022-3033477

Contact:

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