PUC delays Peco gas rate increase

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today put off Peco's requested 11.2 percent increase in natural gas rates until Dec. 30.

The Philadelphia utility had sought an effective date for the rate increase of May 30, but the commission voted today to review the request to determine whether the increase was necessary. A PUC administrative law judge will make a recommendation to the commission.

Peco filed the rate proposal on March 31. The change would boost the monthly bill for a typical customer, using eight million cubic feet of natural gas a month, by $12.79, to $130.82.

Peco, the electric and gas company, provides gas service to 440,000 residential and 41,000 business customers in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties and part of Lancaster County.