Columbia Gas rate increase hearing takes place in Salem

SALEM — Representatives from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and Columbia Gas of Ohio had the first of several public hearings to give customers an opportunity to voice their opinions regarding an agreement between the companies allowing for an increased rate to distribute natural gas.

Officials with both companies had the 30-minute session today at the Kent State University Salem campus to outline details of the settlement reached last Fridaybetween Columbia, PUCO, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel and several other state entities.

The agreement will allow the company to increase rates for natural gas distribution that Columbia officials hope will generate $47.1 million of additional revenue for the company. Before the compromise, Columbia had sought a revenue increase request of $87.2 million.

The settlement, which would mean an increase of about $30 a year for the average customer, still needs the approval of the five-member PUCO Board of Commissioners. It would be the first delivery charge increase in 14 years, noted David Rau, Columbia’s community relations manager.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.