Press Release

PUC to Investigate Requests from Columbia Gas for Increased Rates and Pilot Rider Program

Published on 4/23/2014

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc.’s (Columbia) rate increase proposal and a plan to implement a new pilot rider program.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the company’s request to increase base rates by $54.1 million (11 percent) per year. Under the company’s proposal, the total bill for a residential customer with Columbia who purchases 72 therms of gas per month would increase from $87.12 to $96.20, or by 10.42 percent. The request is suspended for up to seven months and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for public hearings and a recommended decision or settlement. A final decision must be made by Dec. 20, 2014. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.      

In separate action, the Commission voted 5-0 to investigate a proposal by the company for a Pilot Rider New Area Service (Rider NAS). The rider would allow the costs to consumers for new natural gas service to be paid over 20 years through a monthly surcharge that would not exceed $35. Currently, some consumers seeking new natural gas service from Columbia are required to pay all of the costs upfront.

Columbia proposes that Rider NAS continue for a period of four years, and the company will spend no more than $1 million per year on the rider. The proposal is suspended until Oct. 28, 2014.

Columbia provides natural gas service to approximately 417,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 26 counties in Pennsylvania.

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” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket Nos. R-2014-2406274, R-2014-2407345

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• Deputy Press Secretary
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