Chester, VA – Columbia Gas of Virginia, Inc., a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI),
filed a request today with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to
approve revised rates to recover investments and other costs associated with
the company’s ongoing proactive initiatives to improve the overall safety and
reliability of its natural gas distribution system for its customers throughout
its service territory in Virginia.
While the company filed its request with the SCC today, it is important to
note that after filing for a rate adjustment, the review process by the SCC
could take up to a year, although Columbia Gas expects to implement the new
rates on an interim basis, subject to refund, beginning in the fourth quarter
of 2024.
“Ensuring the continued reliability of the vital service we provide and the
long-term safety of our customers and communities we serve are indispensable
parts of our business, and they require a necessary level of investment to
modernize our energy infrastructure to meet our customers’ current and future
energy needs,” said Columbia
Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague.
Columbia Gas’s rate request would affect its natural gas base rates, which
include costs associated with natural gas delivery, distribution, and customer
service. Base rates represent about 60 percent of a typical customer’s total
bill. The remaining 40 percent of the bill consists of natural gas costs, which
are directly passed through to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
If approved by the SCC, the request would increase the average total monthly
natural gas bill for a typical residential customer who uses 51 therms of gas
per month by $8.91 per month, or approximately 11.68 percent when compared to
current rates.
The total overall request represents an increase to address a projected
annual revenue deficiency of $52.6 million.
At all times, Columbia Gas is committed to providing its customers with the
tools, resources, and programs to stay safe and warm in their homes.
“Even with these necessary investments, any change in customer bills is
meaningful,” added Montague.
“Assistance is available, and we’re here to help customers to identify
solutions to keep them connected.”
Any Columbia Gas customer who may have fallen behind on their energy bills
is encouraged to reach out to the company at 1-800-543-8911 or by visiting www.columbiagasva.com/assistance.
Customers with questions regarding the proposed rates may call Columbia Gas
at 1-800-543-8911
or visit www.ColumbiaGasVA.com
for more information.
