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By PAMELA C. TURFA; Times Leader Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 17, 1998 Page: 1A
The average PG Energy residential gas customer would pay 11 percent more
under a proposed rate increase filed Monday with the state Public Utility
Commission.
But, a company official said, the typical customer’s bill would still be $2
per month less than in 1984, because of savings from lower gas prices paid to
suppliers.
Under the proposed increase, the total bill for an average residential
heating customer using 11,400 cubic feet of natural gas per month would
increase about $8.84 a month from $78.33 to $87.17, an 11 percent increase.
Of those totals, $48.34 represents the cost of the gas- the price paid to
suppliers and passed along to customers.
The base rate portion of the bill would increase from $29.99 to $38.83, a
29 percent increase.
Company spokesman Albert G. Fereck said customers actually paid more in
1984- $89.59 per month- because of higher gas prices. Since Nov. 30, 1997 gas
prices have dropped about $7 per month.
In a statement, PG Energy said the base rate increase is needed to cover
increased plant investment and for continuing upgrades and improvements to the
2,200-mile distribution system.
The increase totals $15 million annually or 8.25 percent of the company’s
annual revenues.
The company also said:
The total bill for a commercial customer using 47,400 cubic feet of natural
gas monthly would increase $12 a month from $301 to $313.
Rates for an industrial customer using 120,000 cubic feet of natural gas
monthly would decrease from $726 to $720.
The company is proposing to begin charging higher rates on May 15, but that
date will be suspended for as long as seven months while the PUC makes a
decision, said John Frazer, PUC spokesman.
Customers wishing to file a formal, written complaint may request a
complaint form by writing Secretary, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission,
P.O. Box 3265, Harrisburg, Pa., 17105-3265.
Customers also may voice an informal protest or may request a complaint
form by calling the PUC Bureau of Consumer Services, 1-800-782-1110.
PG Energy has established a toll free number, 1-888-505-9571, where
customers may call to obtain additiona