Equitable Gas Rate Hike Opposed

The United Steelworkers said Friday that Equitable Gas Co.’s request for a $51.9 million-a year increase of its delivery rate charges is unfair to consumers and will hurt low-income residents, according to a petition the union filed with the state Public Utility Commission. The Pittsburgh-based union said it represents about 300 workers at Equitable Gas, and about 35,000 employees and retirees who live and work in Equitable’s service area in Western Pennsylvania. The USW questioned the need for a rate hike when Equitable’s executives received salary increases and the natural gas company posted high profits. Equitable spokesman David Spigelmyer could not be reached for comment.

Originally published by The Tribune-Review.

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