BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Households in the Lehigh Valley are facing rising costs on multiple fronts.
Recently, the state Public Utility Commission announced hearings on a proposed $99.3 million natural gas distribution rate increase from UGI Utilities, Inc.
Under the proposal, the average monthly bill for a residential customer using 68.7 hundred cubic feet of natural gas would increase from $113.64 to $123.55 per month (8.7%), adding to the financial pressure on families already coping with inflation and stagnant wages.
This report and the accompanying data will be updated as new pricing information becomes available and as regulators review the UGI and PPL proposals.Pricing data
Electric customers also are bracing for changes: PPL Electric Utilities recently reached a settlement in its first proposed distribution rate increase since 2016, aimed at funding grid reliability and service improvements.
If it's approved, customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month could see their total electric bill rise $7.42, with no further base rate increases for two years.
But energy costs are just one piece of the affordability puzzle.
Housing remains the largest monthly expense for most families, with high rents and mortgage payments amid a tight market.
Transportation costs also have climbed, driven by higher vehicle prices and rising gasoline costs. Grocery prices are up as well, keeping staple items elevated.
Taken together, the expenses are consuming a growing share of household income.
The embedded charts show how natural gas, electricity, groceries, and other essentials have changed, illustrating the real impact on family budgets in the region.
Prices in the charts are current as of the week of March 15, 2026.
This report and the accompanying data will be updated as new pricing information becomes available, and as regulators review the UGI and PPL proposals.
Utilities
* The UGI chart shows how a typical monthly natural gas bill for UGI customers has changed from 2016 to 2026. We set 2016 as a baseline of 100 to make it easy to see growth over time: A value of 183 in 2026 means the average bill is about 83% higher than it was in 2016. The values are based on UGI rate filings and PUC-approved schedules, and reflect average residential usage. (Actual bills may vary depending on household size, usage, and season)
Gas prices
