HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled 10 public hearings to gather input about a $99.4 million distribution rate increase request from UGI Utilities’ natural gas division. 

Where are the hearings happening?

There will be eight in-person hearings, and two conducted by telephone. In the former category, two of the hearings will be held in Lehigh County, and two are scheduled in Berks County.

The hearings in Lehigh County are scheduled for Monday, April 6, inside Allentown City Council Chambers at 435 Hamilton Street. The first hearing will begin at 1 p.m., and the second will begin at 6 p.m.

Then, two in-person hearings will happen the following day (Tuesday, April 7) in Berks County. The location is the Dunn Community Center at 4565 Prestwick Drive in Exeter Township. Just like in Allentown, the hearings will begin at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

In-person hearings are also scheduled in Lancaster County (March 30) and Luzerne County (April 1).

The hearings that will be conducted via telephone are scheduled for Friday, April 3 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged by April 2, the PUC said. More information can be found here.

How would the increase impact customer bills?

According to UGI, if the increase is approved, here’s how monthly bills would change for natural gas customers:

– Residential heating customer using 68.7 ccf per month would increase from $113.64 to $123.55 per month, or by 8.7%.

– Commercial heating customer using 26.8 mcf per month would increase from $336.74 to $358.17 per month, or by 6.4%.

– Industrial customer using 54.6 mcf per month would increase from $647.57 to $688.65 per month, or by 6.3%.

These estimates apply to customers who purchase their natural gas directly from UGI. Those who use an alternate supplier may see differing impacts, the company said.

The rate increase would impact only the distribution charge portion of the bill. According to UGI, that charge funds the installation, operation and maintenance of the gas distribution system as well as customer service, emergency response services, and other activities.

In September of 2025, the PUC approved a UGI rate increase for distribution services that raised the typical residential bill by about 6.7%. UGI had been seeking a larger increase, which would have led to a more than 10% increase.

What happens next?

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

According to the PUC, UGI provides natural gas distribution services to approximately 690,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in 46 counties across Pennsylvania.