ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today announced public hearings this month regarding rate hikes proposed by National Fuel Gas (NFG). NFG has proposed increases to its natural gas delivery charges revenues by approximately $41.7 million (a 7.9 percent increase). NFG’s proposal, which would take effect next April, includes funding for the modernization of its pipeline infrastructure and its customer information technology systems, an enhanced discount program for low-income customers and an expansion of natural gas service.

An NFG representative will explain the company’s plan at four public statement hearings set for June 28 at 4 and 7 p.m. in the Town of Amherst Municipal Building, 5583 Main Street, Williamsville, and on June 29 at 3 and 6 p.m. at the City of Jamestown Municipal Building, 200 East Third Street, Jamestown. Following these brief presentations, members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on NFG’s proposals.

It is not necessary to make an appointment in advance or to present written material in order to speak at the hearing. Persons will be called to speak after completing a participation card. The hearings will remain open for a minimum of one hour and will continue until everyone wishing to speak has been heard or until other reasonable arrangements have been made. A verbatim transcript of the hearings will be made for inclusion in the record of this proceeding.

Disabled persons requiring special accommodations should call the Department of Public Service’s Human Resources Management Office at (518) 474-2520 as soon as possible. TDD users may request a sign language interpreter by placing a call through the New York Relay Service at 711. Individuals with difficulty understanding or reading English are encouraged to call the Commission at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this notice.

For those who cannot attend or prefer not to speak at a public statement hearing, there are several other ways to provide your comments to the Commission. Comments should refer to “Case 16-G-0257 – National Fuel.”

Internet or Mail: Comments may be entered directly into the case file by locating the case via the home page of the Commission’s Web site, www.dps.ny.gov, by clicking on “Search” and entering 16-G-0257 in the “Search by Case Number” field. In the opening page under either case number, a commenter should click on the “Post Comments” button located at the top of the page and leave the comment by completing the form to which he or she is then directed.

The public may also submit comments electronically to the Hon. Kathleen H. Burgess, Secretary, at secretary@dps.ny.gov or by mail or delivery to Secretary Burgess at the New York State Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350.