Press Release

PUC Schedules Public Input Hearing for Rate Increase Request by Peoples Natural Gas

Published on 4/8/2019

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two public input hearings to gather opinions on the distribution rate increase request filed by Peoples Natural Gas Company LLC (Peoples Gas).

The hearings will be held at the following locations and times:

Tuesday, April 23, 2019
6 P.M.
Richland Township Fireman’s Banquet Hall
1321 Scalp Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15904
-       Administrative Law Judge Benjamin J. Myers presiding.

Wednesday, April 24, 2019
6 P.M.
Community College of Allegheny County
Boyce Campus Performance Hall
595 Beatty Rd
Monroeville, PA 15146-1396
-       Administrative Law Judges Katrina L. Dunderdale and Emily DeVoe presiding.
 

Rate Increase Request

On Feb. 28, 2019, the Commission voted to investigate the Peoples Gas request, which would increase annual revenues by $94.9 million (14%).

Under that proposal, the average monthly bill for a residential customer in the Peoples Division would increase from $74.24 to $84.73, an increase of $10.49 or 14.1%, and the average monthly bill for a residential customer in the Equitable Division would increase from $70.79 to $84.73, an increase of $13.94 or 19.7%.

Peoples Gas provides service to more than 622,000 residents and businesses in Pittsburgh and surrounding counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. A final decision by the Commission regarding the Peoples Gas request is due by October 29, 2019.
 

Offering Comment at a Hearing

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide information regarding the rate increase request. 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. For persons who are deaf or hearing-impaired, the AT&T Relay Service number is 1-800-654-5988.

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

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

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Docket No.: R-2018-3006818

Contact:

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