Hearings Continue On People’s Rate Hike Request

ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) continues to host public input hearings about a proposed rate increase for People’s Natural Gas customers. A residential customer could see their monthly bill go up about $16 a month from $122 to $138, according to Peoples. If approved, the company said the rate increase would allow Peoples to earn a fair return on investments and continue to improve infrastructure. “The pipelines gas flows through are vitally important to continue to maintain and improve, and so, really, that’s in large part what this about, to continue to invest in the system and deliver safe, reliable service for customers,” said Nick Paradise of Peoples Gas. Critics believe Peoples Gas is looking to help its shareholders more than customers.  In the end, a judge will make a recommendation to commissioners, who will then make a final decision. That’s due by December 26.