PUC holding hearings on Peco increases

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday announced June public hearings on Peco Energy Co.'s proposed rate increases for electric and natural gas customers.

Peco has requested an increase in electric rates by about $316.4 million - the average residential monthly bill would increase $8.27, to $89.80 (10.1 percent).

It is seeking $43.8 million more from natural gas customers, which would increase the average residential monthly bill from $105.43 to $113.49 (7.6 percent).

The hearings are scheduled for 10 a.m. June 28 at the Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St.; 6 p.m. June 28 at the Community Academy of Philadelphia gymnasium, 1100 E. Erie Ave. in Philadelphia; 6 p.m. June 29, Township of Worcester Community Hall, 1721 Valley Forge Rd., Worcester; and 6 p.m. June 30, Ridley Township Municipal Marina, Waters Edge Hall, 401 S. Swarthmore Ave., Ridley.

Peco provides electric service to 1.6 million customers in Philadelphia and in five surrounding counties, and it serves 480,000 suburban natural gas customers.    - Andy Maykuth