Press Release

PUC to Investigate Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania’s Proposed Natural Gas Rate Increase

Published on 4/24/2025

Filed under: Gas

$110.5 Million Annual Rate Request Suspended for Commission Review

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced the suspension of a proposed rate increase by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc. (Columbia Gas), allowing for a formal investigation into the company’s request to increase natural gas rates for approximately 445,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in 26 counties across its Pennsylvania service territory.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the Columbia Gas proposal to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by approximately $110.5 million (12.0%).

As filed, the total monthly bill for a residential customer using 70 therms per month would increase from $138.52 to $154.29 – an increase of 11.4%.

The proposed changes outlined in the Columbia Gas filing include a Revenue Normalization Adjustment mechanism to stabilize revenue regardless of fluctuations in customer usage; continuation and expansion of energy efficiency programs for residential and small commercial customers; and the establishment of an Economic Development Distribution Service tariff aimed at supporting large-volume customers.

The rate increase request is suspended and will be assigned to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for evidentiary hearings and the issuance of a recommended decision. A final PUC decision is due by December 19, 2025.

As part of its investigation, the Commission will also begin the process of scheduling public input hearings to gather testimony from concerned consumers and interested stakeholders. Dates, times, and locations for those hearings will be announced in a future PUC press release. Consumers interested in sharing their perspectives on the rate request are encouraged to follow Commission announcements for upcoming opportunities to participate.

More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

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 puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly 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.

# # #

Docket No.: R-2025-3053499

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov