The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has announced a series of ten in-person and telephonic hearings to collect public testimony regarding a significant rate increase requested by UGI Utilities Inc. The utility company filed its request on January 28, seeking a distribution rate hike of 8.05 percent, which totals approximately 99.368 million dollars. On February 19, the commission suspended the proposed change to ensure a thorough investigation into the necessity and impact of the request.
If the proposal is approved as submitted, the average monthly bill for a residential customer using 68.7 hundred cubic feet of natural gas would rise from 113.64 dollars to 123.55 dollars. This represents an 8.7 percent increase for the typical household. The hearings are designed to give consumers a platform to voice their concerns or support before a final decision is reached by the state regulatory body.
Local residents will have the opportunity to participate in two sessions scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, at the Wilkes-Barre Township Fire Hall located at 152 Watson Street. These sessions are set to begin at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively. The commission encourages those affected by the potential increase to attend and provide formal input as part of the official investigative record.
