Residents in select counties of Northeast and Central Pennsylvania should prepare for increased energy costs starting this Thursday. The state Public Utility Commission (PUC) has sanctioned settlements for rate hikes proposed by three utility companies: Wellsboro Electric Co., Valley Energy Inc., and Citizens’ Electric Co. of Lewisburg, following their requests submitted on April 30.
Wellsboro Electric, Tioga County
Wellsboro Electric initially sought to increase its revenue by $2.9 million, representing a 45.3% rise. This would have resulted in residential customers, who typically consume 700 kilowatt-hours monthly, seeing their bills increase from $142.75 to $168.97, an 18.4% hike. However, after extensive deliberation, the PUC authorized a more modest rise, resulting in $2.5 million in additional revenues, or 39.3%. The initial increase of $1.8 million will be applied immediately, with the remaining $700,000 set for January 29, 2027. The new rates imply an 18.3% increase for the same residential customers.
The fixed residential charge will also rise by 25%, from $12 to $15 monthly. This marks the first rate adjustment since May 2020 for Wellsboro Electric, which provides services to approximately 6,500 customers across Wellsboro and several townships in Tioga County.
Valley Energy, Bradford County
Natural gas provider Valley Energy aimed for a $1.6 million boost in revenues, a 19% increase, which would have elevated monthly bills from $66.81 to $78.84 for customers using 7,600 cubic feet of gas. The PUC ultimately approved a $1.1 million increase, translating to a 12.2% rise, bringing the bill to $74.96.
The approved settlement also allows for a slight increase in the fixed residential charge, from $12.35 to $13.80, an 11.7% increase. This adjustment follows their last rate change in February 2023. Valley Energy serves over 7,400 customers in Bradford County, covering areas such as Athens, Monroe, Sayre, and Towanda.
Citizens’ Electric, Union County
Citizens’ Electric had proposed a rate hike to generate an additional $1.79 million, or 11%, which would have increased the monthly bill for residential customers using 1,250 kilowatt-hours from $163.89 to $181.51. The settlement approved by the PUC allows for an 8.5% increase, equating to $1.39 million in extra revenue. Consequently, these customers can now expect to pay $175.03 monthly, a 6.8% rise.
The fixed residential charge will increase by 14.5%, moving from $13.10 to $15 per month. Citizens’ Electric, which last adjusted rates in Union County, serves nearly 7,200 customers within areas like Lewisburg and nearby townships.
