Peoples Natural Gas proposes rate hike to fund infrastructure updates

WJAC — Local leaders and officials say a request has been submitted by Peoples Natural Gas, to the Public Utility Commission, to increase rates in our region.

“The public utility commission, they could approve all of the requests. They could approve some of the requests. They could approve none of the requests.” says Nick Paradise, with Peoples Natural Gas. He says the company is making the move because of their plan to modernize and update their infrastructure pipeline.

“Much of that is getting to the point that it needs replaced, and that’s a really important thing.” Paradise says.

Local lawmakers, including Frank Burns, say they understand this will make it harder for people “with fixed incomes” to afford to heat their homes.

“So, I reached out to the P.U.C. I sent them a letter, explaining why this is detrimental for the people that live in our area.” Burns says.

“I mean people simply can’t afford to pay more. They’re asked to pay more at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and now it’s going to be on home heating fuel.” says Burns.

Paradise also says the replacement of older pipelines through funding from increased customer rates will help reduce natural gas emissions into the environment.

He encourages customers to reach out to Peoples Natural Gas if they have any questions or need help.

P.N.G. Leaders also say they don’t expect a decision to be made by commissioners until late this summer.