Electricity and/or natural gas affects every household in Pennsylvania in one way or another. Aren’t we fortunate to live in a state that produces more natural gas through fracking than nearly every other state in the nation? If that is indeed the case, do you wonder why our prices have risen so dramatically in the past two years, and what is the purpose of the Public Utility Commission?

In April 2021, our Peoples Gas bill was $50.35. In April 2023, it is $94.35, an increase of 79.5%. In April 2021, our West Penn (First Energy) bill was $60.99. In April 2023, it is $88.23, an increase of 44.7%. So the record amount of natural gas that is being fracked and produced is obviously generating huge profits for someone. Those profits appear to be on the backs of Pennsylvania renters and homeowners.

If our representatives want to do something worthwhile, and not simply pay lip service, they can call to task those responsible for the price hikes and profiteering. If they can’t solve the problem of natural gas bills rising 40% per year and electricity increasing 22% per year in the face of record production, perhaps we need to consider our choices when we next elect our lawmakers or choose PUC members.

Joe Marasti

Penn Township, Westmoreland County

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