PUC schedules hearings on UGI proposed rate hike

Hearings will be via telephone and the public may participate or listen without testifying

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two telephonic hearings in June to gather public input on the rate increase proposed by UGI Utilities Inc. – Gas Division (UGI). The proposed increase would be for natural gas distribution services to approximately 650,000 residents and businesses in 45 counties across Pennsylvania, including customers in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties.

The telephonic hearings have been scheduled for June 4, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. All parties will participate via telephone. Deputy Chief Administrative Law Judge Christopher P. Pell will preside over the hearings.

On Jan. 28, UGI filed a request with the Public Utility Commission to increase its operating revenues by approximately $74.6 million per year, or 8.5%.

Under UGI’s request, the total average monthly bill of a residential customer using 73.5 Cubic Feet (Ccf) per month would increase from $81.54 to $90.22, or 10.6%.

On Feb. 27, the Commission voted unanimously to suspend the proposed rate increase request for up to seven months from the time the rates would otherwise have become effective, and to assign the case to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for proceedings and the issuance of a recommended decision. A final decision by the Commission regarding the UGI request is due by Nov. 19.

Those interested in testifying at the telephonic public input hearing must register by contacting the Pennsylvania Office of the Consumer Advocate before 5 p.m. on Monday, June 1, to provide their name, telephone number and the topic of their testimony. The Office of the Consumer Advocate can be reached by calling 1-800-684-6560.

Members of the public who wish to listen to the public input hearing, but not offer any testimony, must also contact the Office of the Consumer Advocate by June 1.

Those who have not registered by June 1 will not be able to participate in or listen to the public input hearings.

On the day of the hearings, starting at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on June 4, customers will testify in the order they signed up.

The Public Utility Commission offers tips on how to participate in a public input hearing:

• 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.

• Any formal testimony that is offered during the hearing will become part of the record on which the Public Utility Commission will issue its final decision.

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

For information about the Public Utility Commission visit www.puc.pa.gov .