On April 24, the Public Utility Commission announced the suspension of a proposed 11.4% rate increase by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc. allowing for a formal investigation into the company’s request to increase natural gas rates for approximately 445,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in 26 counties across its Pennsylvania service territory.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the Columbia Gas proposal to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by approximately $110.5 million (12.0%).

As filed, the total monthly bill for a residential customer using 70 therms per month would increase from $138.52 to $154.29 – an increase of 11.4%.

The proposed changes outlined in the Columbia Gas filing include a Revenue Normalization Adjustment mechanism to stabilize revenue regardless of fluctuations in customer usage; continuation and expansion of energy efficiency programs for residential and small commercial customers; and the establishment of an Economic Development Distribution Service tariff aimed at supporting large-volume customers.

The rate increase request is suspended and will be assigned to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for evidentiary hearings and the issuance of a recommended decision.

A final PUC decision is due by December 19, 2025.

As part of its investigation, the Commission will also begin the process of scheduling public input hearings to gather testimony from concerned consumers and interested stakeholders.

Dates, times, and locations for those hearings will be announced in a future PUC press release.

Consumers interested in sharing their perspectives on the rate request are encouraged to follow Commission announcements for upcoming opportunities to participate.

More information on the PUC ratemaking process is available at the Commission’s website.

Documents related to this case can be found at PUC Docket: R-2025-3053499.

Click Here for the PUC announcement.

Related Articles This Week:

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-- PUC Announces May 6, 7 Hearings On Proposed 15.7% Rate Increase For Philadelphia Gas Works  [PaEN]

-- PUC To Investigate Proposed 11.4% Increase In Columbia Gas Natural Gas Rate  [PaEN]

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[Posted: April 24, 2025]

4/28/2025