The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved modified natural gas distribution rate changes for Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc., cutting the utility’s original request by nearly half.
In the PUC’s Opinion and Order, the commission scaled back requested increases, adjusted the fixed monthly charge and Weather Normalization Adjustment and strengthened consumer safeguards. Instead of the company’s proposed annual natural gas distribution revenue increase of 12 percent (approximately $110.5 million), the commission approved an annual revenue increase of 6.05 percent (or $55.6 million) over total distribution operating revenues at present rates.
The Commission substantially reduced Columbia Gas’s proposal to raise the residential customer charge from $17.25 to $31.97 per month. Instead, the Commission approved a gradual adjustment of $23 per month. The charge is based upon the Company’s originally proposed annual revenue increase of $110.5 million, which means the actual monthly customer charge will be scaled back based on the Commission’s approved revenue increase of $55.6 million.
The new rates will take effect on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
The Commission also included several consumer-focused provisions including enhanced customer service oversight, expanded Customer Assistance Program (CAP) screening, implementation of a two-year CAP Arrearage Pilot Program, and approval of a Three-Year Energy Efficiency (EE) plan.