(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved a settlement today that substantially reduces rate changes sought by UGI Utilities Inc. – Gas Division (UGI), cutting UGI’s initial request by nearly 35% while enhancing customer service, expanding programs for income-qualified residents, and advancing new gas safety measures.

The PUC voted 3-1 to adopt the recommended decision of PUC Administrative Law Judges F. Joseph Brady and Alphonso Arnold III, who recommended the approval, without modification, of a Joint Petition for Approval of Settlement which was filed by the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement, UGI, the Office of Consumer Advocate, the Office of Small Business Advocate, and the Retail Energy Suppliers Association.

The Coalition for Affordable Utility Services and Energy Efficiency in Pennsylvania (CAUSE-PA) also filed a letter indicating that it does not oppose this settlement.

UGI provides natural gas distribution services to approximately 706,000 residents and businesses in 46 counties throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

The PUC conducted a total of 12 public input hearings in the UGI rate case proceeding in early spring.