Luzerne Times

Senator Lisa Baker and Representative Jeff Olsommer have expressed concerns regarding Pike County Light and Power's proposed rate increases for natural gas and electricity. In a letter to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), they questioned the necessity of these hikes, highlighting potential negative impacts on various sectors.

"We want to make certain the commissioners are fully aware of the customer opposition to these hikes, and the negative implications they also hold for schools, local governments, community organizations and commercial enterprises in the service territory," said Baker and Olsommer.

The legislators pointed out that customers struggle to understand why such significant increases are needed, especially when Pennsylvania is a leading state in natural gas production. They noted that many families face financial challenges, with some living on fixed incomes. "Rate increases like these could wreak havoc on the family budget," they stated.

Baker and Olsommer emphasized that taxpayers increasingly demand cost-cutting measures from governments at all levels. They argued it is reasonable for public utilities to be held to similar standards of cost efficiency.

Public hearings regarding the proposed rate changes are scheduled for March 18 at Milford Township Building in Milford, with sessions at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Additional telephonic hearings will occur on March 19 at the same times. Details about registration can be found in a PUC press release online.

If approved, Pike County Light and Power would collect an additional $905,900 annually from gas consumers and $1.87 million from electricity users. The proposals are documented under Docket No.: R-2024-3052357 (natural gas) and Docket No.: R-2024-3052359 (electricity) on the PUC website.