PUBLIC MEETINGS PLANNED TO DISCUSS PEOPLES GAS PROPOSED RATE HIKES

Some public meetings are planned for next month to discuss proposed rate hikes from Peoples Gas. The natural gas provider is asking the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission to approve an increase that would cause residential bills to go up by about 20 percent. The company says the hike is needed to maintain the safety and reliability of their pipelines and distribution infrastructure. Two public input meetings on the rates are planned on March fifth at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Community College of Allegheny County campus in Monroeville. Another two sessions are scheduled for the same times the following day at Butler County Community College. The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate is also hosting two meetings over the phone on March seventh.