Two PUC hearings scheduled locally on proposed 14 percent Peoples Gas hike

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has scheduled two public input hearings regionally on Peoples Natural Gas Company LLC’s request for a 14% distribution rate increase including one April 24 at the Boyce Campus of Allegheny County Community College in Monroeville.

On Feb. 28, the PUC voted to study the Peoples Gas request, which would increase annual revenues by $94.9 million or 14%.

Under the 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%. 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%.

The April 24 hearing at the Boyce Campus will be in Performance Hall at 6 p.m. The commission also has scheduled a hearing 6 p.m. April 23 in Cambria County at the Richland Township Fireman’s Banquet Hall near Johnstown.

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

The PUC said those interested are welcome to attend the hearings and provide information regarding the rate increase request. Testimony will become part of the record, the commission said in a release..

The commission and the Office of Consumer Advocate suggest preparing a statement and bringing at least two copies that can be given to the judge and court stenographer.

Any person with special needs wishing to attend the hearing may call the PUC scheduling office at 717-787-1399 at least five 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 is on the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov