Haddock wants public hearing on UGI rate increase
Rep. Jim Haddock February 24, 2025 | 9:25 AM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – Seeking to give residents of Northeastern PA a voice in the latest rate hike request filed by UGI Utilities Inc., state Rep. Jim Haddock wrote to the PA Public Utility Commission asking for a public hearing to be held in Luzerne or Lackawanna County.
In late January, UGI proposed an almost 11% rate increase.
“I wanted to applaud the PUC on unanimously voting to suspend and investigate UGI Utilities Inc.'s proposed rate increase. Simply put, UGI has already received two successive increases in both 2022 and 2023 and pushing through another increase for a third year would clearly put an increased financial hardship on so many Pennsylvanians, as over 672,000 residents in 45 counties across Pennsylvania are serviced by UGI,” wrote Haddock in a letter to PUC Chairman Stephen DeFrank.
“However, as a part of your continued investigation, I must ask that you consider scheduling a public input hearing in Northeastern Pennsylvania, in my 118th District in Luzerne or Lackawanna County. This opportunity would allow hardworking people in my area and all Pennsylvanians served by this utility to be heard during the ratemaking process.
“My district office was overwhelmed with phone calls from constituents who were concerned with these proceedings and wished for the opportunity to share their perspectives. I believe they deserve the chance to do so. If the PUC were to hold public hearings where the ratepayers could personally express their concerns, it would ensure accountability, protect public interest, and provide a satisfying conclusion for the residents I represent,” he concluded.
Haddock encourages UGI customers to file a formal complaint to the proposed rate increase. The form is available on the PUC website, www.puc.pa.gov, or through their state representative’s office.