Press Release

PUC Schedules Public Input Hearings on May 9 and May 10 for Requested Rate Increase by Philadelphia Gas Works

Published on 4/13/2017

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled four hearings on Tuesday, May 9, and Wednesday, May 10, to gather public input on a rate increase request filed by Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW).

On Tuesday, May 9, two public input hearings will be held at the following times and locations:

10:00 a.m.
801 Market St. (Enter on 8^th St.)
6^th Floor
(Use one of the last four elevators at the lobby’s far end.)
Philadelphia, PA  19107

6:00 p.m.     
Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Gymnasium
8501 Provident Ave.
Philadelphia, PA  19150

On Wednesday, May 10, two public input hearings will be held at the following times and locations:

10:00 a.m.     
Philadelphia Free Library
1901 Vine St.
Philadelphia, PA  19103

6:00 p.m.     
George Washington High School Auditorium
10175 Bustleton Ave.
Philadelphia, PA  19116
 

Rate Increase Request

Under the request submitted by PGW, annual revenues would increase by $70 million (11.6 percent) and the average total monthly bill for a residential customer using 76 Mcf of gas per year would increase from $94.06 to $104.65 per month (11.3 percent).

On March 16, 2017, the Commission voted to suspend the increase for up to seven months and assigned the matter to PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge, which assigned the matter to Deputy Chief Administrative Law Judge Christopher P. Pell and Administrative Law Judge Marta Guhl.

PGW provides natural gas service to approximately 500,000 customers in the City and County of Philadelphia.

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

Offering Comment at a Hearing

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments. Their testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision.

The PUC and Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate, including:

• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies if you are attending an in-person hearing.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.
• Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.   

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 issues.

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Docket No.:   R-2017-2586783

Contact:

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