Hope Gas reduces amount in multi-million-dollar rate hike request to the state PSC

Customers of Hope Gas could soon be paying much more to heat their homes by February, but not as much as proposed in the company's original request to the state PSC.

Robert Fields | WVOW News

CHARLESTON A partial settlement agreement has been reached in a gas company’s request for a nearly $80 million rate hike.

The company Hope Gas had asked the Public Service Commission of West Virginia to approve a base rate increase of about $79.6 million. During evidentiary hearings this week, the PSC heard testimony saying the proposed increase would be too harmful to residents and small businesses before ordering the company to arrive at a more reasonable number.

Now, Hope Gas has nearly halved its rate hike request to approximately $41 million which, if approved, would result in a base rate revenue increase of around 21 percent.

If the PSC approves the new proposal, it will go into effect in late February, affecting customer rates in 37 counties, including parts of Logan, Lincoln, Boone, Raleigh, Wyoming, McDowell and Mingo counties. 

PHOTO | WIX