PUC Issues Final Order in Gas Utility Rate Case

On October 22, 2026 the Pennsylvania PUC issued a final opinion and order in National Fuel Gas Distribution’s (NFGD’s) base rate case, approving an annual revenue increase of $10.45 million. The PAPUC also authorized continuation of the WNA as a pilot through the utility’s next base rate case, with a 5% deadband and 10-year weather average and approved a five-year energy efficiency pilot.
The Pennsylvania PUC also directed NFGD to eliminate residential payment processing fees within 6 months, expand low-income energy efficiency eligibility to mobile homes, and provide a one-time $30 bill credit to eligible low-income customers in December 2026, alongside approximately $6.2 million in additional customer credits.

Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow issued a dissenting opinion regarding the PAPUC’s final order approving a $10.45 million annual rate increase for NFGD. Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow argued that the approved increase was excessive and recommended $5.24 million instead, based on a 9.86% return on equity (ROE), a 53% equity/47% debt capital structure, and a depreciation methodology that would reduce annual expenses by approximately $4.67 million. Vice Chair Barrow emphasized that these adjustments would better protect customer affordability while allowing the utility to recover reasonable costs.