Press Release

PUC to Investigate Proposed Rate Increase by National Fuel Gas

Published on 12/8/2022

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) voted today to investigate a rate increase request filed by National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel), which provides natural gas distribution services to approximately 214,000 customers in northwest Pennsylvania.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the request, which was filed on October 28, 2022.

The changes proposed by National Fuel would produce an annual overall revenue increase of approximately $28.1 million (9.2%).  National Fuel is also proposing a three-year Energy Efficiency pilot program that would recover an additional $1.2 million from residential customers annually.  The program would offer residential customers rebate incentives to install high-efficiency space heating appliances in place of standard equipment.

National Fuel’s proposals would result in the total monthly bill for a residential customer, using 84 ccf per month, increasing from $99.93 to $109.67 (about 9.7%).  In its filing, National Fuel is also proposing increasing its monthly residential customer charge from $12 to $18.

Today’s action by the Commission suspends the rate increase request for up to seven months and the case will now be assigned to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for an investigation and recommended decision. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

A final decision by the Commission on this rate increase request is due by July 27, 2023.

About the PUC

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.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: R-2022-3035730

Contact:

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