UGI Central Penn Gas to Increase Natural Gas Costs on March 1, 2017

READING, PA – UGI Central Penn Gas (UGI) announced its purchased gas cost rates will increase on March 1, 2017. As a result, the average residential heating customer’s bill will rise by 6.8 percent.

This gas cost increase means an average residential bill will rise from $80.50 per month to $86.00 per month.

“UGI customers continue to enjoy value in their energy choice,” Paul Szykman, UGI’s vice president of rates, said.   “Even with this increase, UGI residential heating bills remain significantly lower than in the recent past, thanks to locally produced shale gas.  Shale gas currently makes up approximately 90 percent of UGI’s natural gas supply.”

By law, utilities are required to pass the cost of the natural gas they purchase directly through to customers without any markup.

UGI recognizes some customers may have trouble paying their winter heating bill. All customers are encouraged to sign up for UGI’s free budget billing program, which spreads bills out over a 12-month period.

In addition, customers with a limited or fixed income should call UGI at 1-800-UGI-WARM to determine if they are eligible for one of several energy assistance programs.  In addition to company-sponsored programs, UGI can assist eligible customers in applying for federally-funded LIHEAP grants. Finally, any customer who is behind on their gas bills should contact the utility as soon as possible to discuss a payment arrangement.

UGI encourages customers to use energy wisely and make efficiency improvements in their homes.  Additional information on energy efficiency and customer assistance programs is available on UGI’s website at www.ugi.com.

UGI Central Penn Gas serves approximately 85,000 customers in 35 counties in eastern and central Pennsylvania, including customers in and around Bedford, Clearfield, Coudersport, Hamburg, Huntington, Lewistown, Lock Haven, Fryburg, Lehighton, Oxford, Pittston, Pottsville, Port Allegany, Shamokin, Shippensburg, Stroudsburg, Troy, Waynesboro and Wellsboro. Additional information about UGI Central Penn Gas is available at www.ugi.com.