Burns opposes proposed Peoples Gas increase
Says increase would burden those who can least afford it
Rep. Frank Burns April 25, 2024 | 4:41 PM
HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Frank Burns has weighed in on the plan for Peoples Natural Gas Co. LLC to increase monthly rates for customers by as much as 21%.
In March, Burns sent a letter to the Public Utility Commission opposing the proposed rate increase.
“This rate hike would unfairly strap a financial burden on residents who can least afford to pay it,” Burns wrote. “In my district, many residents are older and on fixed incomes, or struggle generally to make ends meet. Even before surging inflation rates over the last two years hiked the price of everyday goods, Johnstown was labeled the poorest small city in Pennsylvania. My constituents simply cannot bear a rate increase of this magnitude.”
In December, Peoples asked for a monthly rate increase of approximately 21% for natural gas customers and 7% for gas customers based on an average usage of 80 Mcf a year. However, as noted by the state’s consumer advocate, the proposal does not reflect the changes that would be experienced by all customers; they only reflect the changes for customers using what the company calls “an average usage.” Burns noted that this often underestimates the price increase on many families.
“I strongly oppose the Peoples rate increase request and urge the commission to reject the proposal,” Burns said.
The PUC is expected to make a final decision on the rate increase in September.
Peoples Gas serves about 700,000 customers in Pittsburgh and surrounding counties, including Cambria County.