The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC)has authorized the implementation of new delivery rates for National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation’s (National Fuel) customers in Pennsylvania. The PUC approved a $10.4 million increase in National Fuel’s annual operating revenues after an extensive 9-month regulatory review.
For a residential customer using 80 ccf of natural gas per month, the change will increase the average monthly bill by approximately $2.94, from $83.49 to $86.43, or about 3.5%. The PUC’s order approving the base rate increase took effect Nov. 1. Customers will begin seeing the new rates reflected on their bills starting Nov. 9. The filing was National Fuel’s first request to increase base delivery rates since 2022 and only its third such request in the last 20 years. Delivery rates support the operation, maintenance and modernization of the Company’s natural gas distribution system, which stretches approximately 5,000 miles of pipeline and serves over 214,000 customers in northwest Pennsylvania.
Delivery rates are separate from gas supply charges, which reflect the cost of purchasing natural gas for customers and are passed along dollar for dollar without markup or profit to National Fuel. Gas supply charges may be adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the market price of natural gas. There was no increase or adjustment in gas supply charges for the quarter beginning on Nov. 1, 2026. The next opportunity to adjust gas supply charges will be Feb. 1, 2027.
Customer Credits and Assistance Enhancements
The PUC’s order also authorizes a $7 million refund related to reserves that are no longer needed to fund employee retirement benefit obligations. The refund will consist of a one-time $30 credit for eligible low-income customers and a monthly surcredit for all customers for the next 12-months, offsetting a majority of the delivery rate increase. With the surcredit applied, the average monthly bill for a residential customer would increase by just $1.09, or about 1.3%.
The order further includes measures intended to strengthen customer assistance and service, including:
- Targeted outreach to customers to help determine eligibility for National Fuel’s universal service programs.
- A plan to fully utilize the annual Low-Income Usage Reduction Program budget, including expanded eligibility for customers living in mobile homes.
- Enhanced tracking and reporting of Customer Assistance Program debt and service issues involving health and safety conditions.
- Fee-free online payments for residential customers.
- A plan addressing future voluntary contributions to the Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund.
Energy-Efficiency Pilot
National Fuel will launch a five-year energy-efficiency pilot offering residential customers rebates for qualifying high-efficiency natural gas furnaces, boilers and water heaters, as well as ENERGY STAR certified natural gas clothes dryers.
Weather Normalization Adjustment
The PUC authorized the continuation of National Fuel’s Weather Normalization Adjustment (WNA) pilot until the Company’s next base rate case. The WNA applies when weather is more than 5% warmer or colder than normal, providing customers with a credit when weather is more than 5% colder than normal and imposing a charge when it is more than 5% warmer than normal.
LIHEAP
The federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP, opened on Monday, Nov. 2. Eligible households may receive grants ranging from $200 to $1,000 while funding remains available. A household of four may qualify with annual income up to $49,500. For additional information, visit www.LIHEAPhelps.com or contact 1-877-443-2743.
Customer Assistance Program
National Fuel’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) also provides residential customers with affordable monthly payments and the opportunity to have outstanding balances forgiven. Customers who are eligible for LIHEAP also will be eligible for CAP. To apply, visit www.nationalfuel.com/applycap. Customers can apply for or learn more about assistance programs through National Fuel or by calling 1-800-365-3234.
Smell gas? Leave fast!
If you smell rotten eggs, it could be a gas leak. Leave the premises or location immediately and call National Fuel’s 24/7/365 emergency line at 1-800-444-3130, from a different location. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit www.nationalfuel.com/utility/gas-safety/.