LOCK HAVEN — As UGI looks to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by about $99.4 million, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is holding public hearings for input regarding the proposal.

The majority of proposed hearings will be held in-person outside of the area, with two scheduled virtual hearings planned for the coming days.

UGI, which serves about 690,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 46 counties across the state, first filed a request for the increase on Jan. 28.

On Feb. 19, the PUC voted 5-0 to suspend and investigate the proposal. According to information released by the PUC, if the request is approved it would see the average monthly bill for a residential customer increase about 8.7 percent per month, from $113.64 to $123.55.

In a release from the PUC in February, it said UGI’s reason for requesting the increase was “to allow the company to earn a fair return on investments used and useful to serve the public safely and reliably; support Commission-approved infrastructure replacement programs; enhance information technology systems; recover operating expenses associated with providing gas distribution service; extend its Weather Normalization Adjustment (WNA) pilot; and incorporate a weather calculation into its rate design.”

The suspension that was put through gives the PUC time to investigate the lawfulness, justness and reasonableness of the proposed rates along with the company’s current existing rates, rules and regulations.

VIRTUAL HEARINGS

Two virtual hearings are scheduled in two days for those unable to attend in-person.

The first is set for Friday, April 3, at 1 and 6 p.m., and another will take place on Thursday, April 9, at 1 and 6 p.m.

UGI customers who wish to participate must preregister at least a day prior to the scheduled hearing.

“If you do not pre-register, you may not be called on to testify by the judges,” a release from the PUC said.

Those who would like to register can do so by calling 215-560-4228 or by email at pmcneal@pa.gov.

To either participate or listen to the hearing call 1-877-874-1047 and enter 11738422 when prompted.

IN-PERSON HEARINGS

In-person hearings began on Tuesday, March 30, at the Manheim Township Public Library in Lancaster, with three others scheduled in the coming days. They include:

— Wednesday, April 1, at 1 and 6 p.m., Wilkes-Barre Township Fire Department Fire Hall, 152 Watson St., Wilkes-Barre.

— Monday, April 6, at 1 and 6 p.m., City of Allentown Council Chambers, 435 Hamilton St., Allentown.

— Tuesday, April 7, at 1 and 6 p.m., Dunn Community Center, 4565 Prestwick Drive, Reading.

Pre-registration is not required for the in-person hearings.

A final PUC decision is due by Oct. 29, 2026.