PUC issues reminder on telephonic hearings on UGI rate increase

Deadline to sign up is June 1

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is reminding UGI Utilities customers about the June 1 deadline to sign up to provide comment on a rate increase proposed by UGI Utilities Inc. – Gas Division (UGI). The comment will be gathered during two telephonic public hearings.

The deadline to register to offer comment is June 1.

The Public Utility Commission is seeking public input on the proposed rate increase 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.

Individuals that want to provide public comment in the rate case, must contact the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) before 5 p.m. on Monday, June 1, to provide their name, telephone number and the topic of their testimony. The Office of Consumer Advocate can be reached toll free at 1-800-684-6560.

The telephonic hearings are 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 Public Utility Commission’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.

In addition to those looking to comment, members of the public that want to listen to the hearing — but not offer testimony — must also contact the Office of Consumer Advocate by June 1.

Only those that have registered will 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.

For those planning to offer comment, 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.