Press Release

PUC Schedules Public Input Hearings for Rate Increase Request by Duquesne Light Company

Published on 5/15/2018

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two public input hearings on Thursday, June 14, 2018, to gather comments on the distribution rate increase request filed by Duquesne Light Company (Duquesne Light).

The hearings, conducted by Administrative Law Judge Katrina Dunderdale, will be held at the following location and times:

      1:00 p.m. -    Piatt Place – Room 2019
                             301 Fifth Avenue
                             Pittsburgh, PA  15222

      6:00 p.m. -    Park Inn by Radisson
                             7195 Eastwood Road
                             Beaver Falls, PA  15010

 Rate Increase Request

On April 19, 2018, the PUC voted to investigate the distribution rate increase requests for Duquesne Light, which proposed an annual increase in rates of approximately $133.8 million – though the increase to customers over current charges is $81.6 million (16.13%) since the proposed base rate increase includes $52.2 million of revenues currently recovered under surcharges.

Under the request, the monthly electric bill for an average residential customer using 600 kilowatt-hours per month would increase from $98.15 to $106.80 (8.82%); an average commercial customer using 10,000 kilowatt-hours would increase from $984.94 to $1,013.71 (2.92%); and an average industrial customer using 200,000 kilowatt-hours would increase from $18,730.50 to $19,165.27 (2.32%).

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the request, which has been suspended for up to seven months to determine what, if any, of the requested increases are justified. The Commission must issue a final decision by Dec. 20, 2018.  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

Duquesne Light provides electric distribution service to nearly 597,000 residential and business customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties.

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.

• Understand that parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

Any person with special needs wishing to attend the hearing may call the PUC scheduling office (717-787-1399) at least five (5) business days prior to the hearing to make arrangements. 

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 Nos.: R-2018-3000124

Contact:

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