Jul 19, 2016 2 min read

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission scheduled a series of hearings, including one in Washington, to gather public input on rate increase requests filed by FirstEnergy Pennsylvania companies, which include West Penn Power.

The local hearing, conducted by Administrative Law Judge Mary D. Long, will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 11, at Doubletree by Hilton, 340 Racetrack Road.

On June 9, PUC voted to investigate the distribution rate increase requests for the FirstEnergy companies, which proposed a cumulative increase of $439 million in annual rates. The requests have been suspended for up to seven months to determine what, if any, of the requested increases are justified. The commission must issue a final decision by Jan. 27.

West Penn Power requested an annual increase in rates of $98.2 million, or 5.7 percent over current rates. Under the request, the monthly electric bill for an average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would increase from $112.99 to $123.88 (9.6 percent).

Those planning to testify should prepare what they are going to say beforehand. Even though it is not required, participants may want to write out a statement, which can be read. Copies should be brought if atteneding. If a written statement she be brought to the judge, bring two copies should be brought for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants