Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc., a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), filed a request today with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) to approve revised rates for further upgrading and replacing portions of the company’s underground natural gas distribution pipelines to benefit its customers. If approved, these proposed rate adjustments would not go into effect until mid-to-late December 2024.
With more than 1,700 full-time employees and contracted resources, Columbia Gas has proudly invested more than $3.7 billion in Pennsylvania since 2007 as part of its long-term plan to modernize and expand its natural gas distribution system and to contribute to the Commonwealth’s economic wellbeing.
“Ensuring the continued reliability of the vital service we provide and the long-term safety of our customers and communities we serve are indispensable parts of our business, and they require a necessary level of investment to modernize our more than 7,700 miles of energy infrastructure to meet our customers’ current and future energy needs,” said Mark Kempic, Columbia Gas president and chief operating officer. “Our filing also identifies enhancements to our energy efficiency program and seeks approval of other proposals to fairly balance costs and services to continue delivering on our customer commitments."
It is filing, Columbia Gas identifies certain enhancements to its residential energy efficiency program, such as rebates on natural gas-powered heat pumps, and insulation and air sealing, which are designed to help Columbia Gas's residential customers reduce their energy consumption, improve efficiency, and conserve resources.
In addition to the positive economic and customer benefits associated with the previous and proposed future Columbia Gas investments across its 26-county service area, this proposal supports continued investments in strategic safety initiatives, such as advanced leak detection technology, enhanced workforce training, and continuous improvement processes to sustain a positive customer experience and company culture that is focused on safely meeting or exceeding all federal and state industry requirements.
Helping Customers in Need
At all times, Columbia Gas is committed to providing its customers with the tools, resources, and programs they need to stay safe and warm in their homes.
“Even with these necessary investments, any change in customer bills is meaningful,” added Kempic. “We are sensitive to that and want customers to know that assistance is available. We’re here to help and to work with customers to identify solutions to keep them connected.”
Any Columbia Gas customer who may have fallen behind on their energy bills is encouraged to reach out to the company at 1-888-460-4332 or by visiting www.columbiagaspa.com/assistance.
Review Process by PA PUC
While the company filed its request with the PA PUC today, it is important to note that after filing for a rate adjustment, the review process by the Commission will take approximately nine months. As a result, in this case, any approved and adjusted rates by the PA PUC would not go into effect until mid-to-late December 2024.
Approval of the proposal would result in the average total bill for a residential customer who purchases 70 therms of gas per month from Columbia Gas to increase from $118.16 to $136.92 per month, or by 15.88 percent. The total bill for a small commercial customer purchasing 150 therms of gas from Columbia Gas per month would increase from $196.43 to $226.24, or by 15.18 percent. The total monthly bill for a small industrial customer purchasing 1,215 therms of gas from Columbia Gas would increase from $1,281.25 to $1,452.98 per month, or by 13.40 percent.
If the request is approved as filed, the total average residential customer bill would still be 24 percent lower than it was 20 years ago, when adjusted for inflation.
The total overall request represents a $124.1 million increase annually.
How Customers Can Participate in the Rate Review Process
It is important to note that the public has a voice in the review process. Anyone interested in the case can participate by reaching out to the PA PUC, and the company encourages active involvement by customers and any interested parties.
Customers can participate through written comments, attendance at public hearings and through various consumer advocacy organizations that participate in the proceedings.
Customers with questions regarding the proposed rates may call Columbia Gas at 1-888-460-4332 or visit www.ColumbiaGasPA.com for more information.
