Peoples Natural Gas files rate case with Pa. Public Utility Commission, proposing rate hikes
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — For the first time since 2019, Peoples Natural Gas has filed a base rate increase that it says would support long-term infrastructure improvement plans, operations and sustainability initiatives.
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"The total increase is $156 million. It's important to remember that's spread across our entire customer base," said Nick Paradise, external communications manager for Peoples Natural Gas.
If the request is approved, a Peoples Natural Gas residential customer using 80-standard cubic foot, would see an increase of $15.63 a month. While a Peoples Gas residential customer using the same would see a rate adjustment of $6.35 a month.
"When we make this request to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, they'll do an intensive review and the public will have opportunities to participate in that and the PUC will decide at the end of that process to approve in full, in part or they may decide to not approve it at all," said Paradise.
The company is also asking to consolidate its two divisions, Peoples Natural Gas and Peoples Gas. That way, all residential customers would pay the same base rates for gas delivery under the proposed request.
"In order to continue the improvements and the modernization of our infrastructure so that we can continue to deliver natural gas in a safe and reliable manner we feel it's important to begin this process now," Paradise added.
If they are to be approved as is, or with adjustments, they would not go into effect until September.
The company is asking for the increase to help pay for old pipe replacement as well as other investments they are looking to make.