Utility costs for Northeastern Pennsylvania residents could be climbing significantly this year as UGI Utilities pursues rate increases for both electricity and natural gas.
UGI Electric has filed a formal request with state regulators to raise base rates for its distribution service by approximately $17.3 million annually. If the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approves the full request, a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month would see their monthly bill jump from $200.50 to $226.23. This represents an increase of 12.8 percent, or about $26 per month. UGI states the additional revenue is needed to fund system-wide infrastructure and information technology upgrades. A final decision on the electric hike is not expected until June at the earliest.
Simultaneously, UGI’s Gas Division is seeking an 8.05 percent increase in annual operating revenues, totaling roughly $99.4 million. Under this separate proposal, the average monthly bill for a residential natural gas customer would rise by about $10 per month, which is an increase of approximately 8.7 percent.
To gather community feedback on the gas rate hike, the PUC has scheduled two in-person public hearings tomorrow, Wednesday, April 1, in Luzerne County. These sessions will take place at the Wilkes-Barre Township Fire Department, located at 152 Watson Street, with hearings scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. A final decision on the natural gas increase is due by October 29, 2026. Residents who cannot attend tomorrow’s sessions in person can participate in telephonic hearings scheduled for Friday, April 3.
