More than 213,000 National Fuel customers in Mercer County and 13 other northwestern Pennsylvania counties will see their gas bills rise after state regulators approved a 3.94% increase. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission substantially trimmed the company's proposal, but customers will still pay more.
Here's what to know
Instead of approving the full February filing, the PUC authorized a $10.448 million adjustment to National Fuel Gas rates, a 3.94% increase, according to WFMJ.
The utility's original filing sought about $19.7 million in additional yearly revenue, which would have raised rates by 7.4%. PUC officials said the final approved amount landed roughly 47% below that proposal, effectively cutting the request by nearly half.
Households served by Mercer County's largest natural gas supplier will still face higher costs, even after regulators reduced the company's request. WFMJ and a PUC news release said commissioners voted 4-1 to alter a recommended decision from PUC Administrative Law Judge Katrina L. Dunderdale.
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More background
According to WFMJ and the PUC, National Fuel provides gas service to more than 213,000 customers in Mercer County and 13 other counties in northwestern Pennsylvania.
A PUC news release said the case began in February with a request for roughly $19.7 million in added annual revenue, but after Judge Dunderdale and the full commission reviewed it, it ended in a $10.448 million adjustment.
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Industry lobbying can also delay cleaner, cheaper energy solutions that would better protect families from both pollution and future rate pressure. In this case, National Fuel customers still face higher costs even after regulators trimmed the increase.
What can be done?
By lowering National Fuel's proposed increase from 7.4% to 3.94%, the PUC reduced the share of the requested revenue increase customers must absorb.
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Where can I learn more?
Utility rate fights like this often tie back to bigger disputes over utility rules, aging infrastructure, and who ultimately pays.
• Oregon lawmakers are weighing major changes to utility rules to curb gas and power rate hikes.
• After 50 years, West Virginia coal plants still shift high costs to ratepayers across the state.
• After Missouri cities challenged pollution, they watched their power bills soar 191% around Rush Island.
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