The cost of heat for UGI customers is going up.
As of September 1, UGI natural gas customers will see a 7.6 percent increase in their monthly bills.
Joseph Swope, media relations manager for the utility, says they need to pass the rising cost of natural gas itself along to the customer.
“UGI does not make a profit on the cost of the actual natural gas or the commodity,” he said. “By law, we're not allowed to do that. But the energy energy market continues to see upward price pressure.”
Customers will notice the increase in the commodity section of their monthly bill. The average residential heating customer’s bill will increase from about $106 per month to about $114 per month, according to UGI.
UGI Utilities has more than 670,000 natural gas customers in 45 counties throughout the state.
Swope said Pennsylvania customers typically pay less than the national average for natural gas due to Marcellus Shale natural gas production in the state.
“We understand that no one is happy with a rate increase,” Swope said. “Customers are still paying less than the national average, because of our local reliable supply.”
