WILKES-BARRE — Rep. Brenda Pugh on Thursday stressed that the proposed natural gas rate increase of UGI could put a financial burden on customers.
Pugh, R-Dallas Township, said the proposed rate increase, if approved, could increase utility bills by as high as 10%.
“Families are struggling with day-to-day expenses, and some are on fixed incomes,” Pugh said. “A rate increase like this could wreak havoc on the family budget. I urge all of you to use your voice and file a complaint with the PUC and encourage them to oppose this rate increase request.”
The rate increase request, set to take effect on Friday, March 28, is specific to the delivery charge portion of the utility bill. Pugh said UGI must prove the requested increase is reasonable before it is approved by the PUC.
She said the PUC will typically suspend an effective date for time to review the filing and conduct public hearings.
Written complaints are also taken into consideration. You can download a form at https://bit.ly/40GcUre or write a letter to The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Post Office Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265. Call UGI toll-free at 1-800-276-2722 to receive information on the proposed rate increase.
Bresnahan raises concerns
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., R-Dallas Township, recently released a statement following news of UGI Utilities – Gas Division’s request to raise rates by $110.4 million per year.
Bresnahan said the request, which was made to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission yesterday, would result in a 10.8% increase for residential customers.
“As Northeastern Pennsylvanians continue to struggle with high living costs, it is infuriating to see a public utility company request to raise rates by over 10%,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “It’s unacceptable that NEPA families are fighting to keep their homes warm, while corporate executives stand at the trough collecting multi-million-dollar compensation packages. UGI should expect to answer for the fiscally irresponsible mismanagement of this essential service.”
Bresnahan said UGI Utilities, a subsidiary of UGI Corporation (NYSE: UGI), most recently raised rates on Dec. 1, 2024, when the rate for residential customers increased by 8.7%. UGI Corp. had a net income of $269 million in Fiscal Year 2024.
Additionally, it was announced that UGI, in partnership with Stonehenge Energy Resources III, completed a $120 million acquisition of Superior Midstream Appalachian, LLC, with UGI holding a 49% ownership interest.
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