Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increases than Originally Requested for Citizens’ Electric and Wellsboro Electric Companies

Published on 4/6/2017

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved distribution rate increases for Citizens’ Electric Company of Lewisburg, PA (Citizens’) and Wellsboro Electric Company (Wellsboro).

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a settlement allowing for an increase in distribution rates of $355,000 (7.6 percent) for Citizens’ and an annual increase in distribution rates of $775,000 (17.31 percent) for Wellsboro.  The settlement was reached among the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, the Office of Consumer Advocate, and the Office of Small Business Advocate.

Citizens’ had originally requested an annual increase in rates of $592,000, or 12.8 percent over current distribution rates. Under the settlement, for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, the rate will increase from approximately $110.93 to $115.55.

Citizens’ provides electric distribution service to approximately 5,752 residential customers and approximately 1,127 commercial, industrial and lighting customers in Lewisburg Borough, Buffalo, East Buffalo and Kelly Townships, Union County, as well as West Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland County.

Wellsboro had originally requested an annual increase in rates of $1 million, or 21.3 percent over current distribution rates.  Under the settlement, for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, the rate will increase from approximately $117.14 to $127.75.

Wellsboro provides electric distribution service to approximately 5,800 residential customers and approximately 1,185 commercial and industrial customers in the Borough of Wellsboro, Tioga County.

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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility shopping.

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Docket Nos.: R-2016-2531550; C-2016-2566526; C-2016-2567115; C-2016-2531551; C-2016-2566522; C-2016-2567132

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov