Investigate the power rate increase in Pike

To the editor: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission should open an investigation to determine if the 73% rate increase for electric utility service in Pike County, Pa., by Pike County Light and Power is warranted. Even if so, the Commission should intervene and mandate that the rate increase be incrementally implemented over a period of time. The 73% will not only impact individual residents of Pike County in paying their individual utility bills, but the county’s overall cost of living will increase as small businesses pass on their hardship by increasing their prices. This is especially likely when this winter’s increase in home heating costs is factored in. J. Galvin Milford