W.Va. gas bills may rise up to 46 percent

CHARLESTON — Natural gas customers in West Virginia may have to pinch a lot of extra pennies to pay their bills this winter.

Seven natural gas companies are asking the Public Service Commission to approve rate increases of up to 46 percent. State Consumer Advocate Byron Harris says the market price of gas has skyrocketed.

Mountaineer Gas, the state’s largest gas utility, wants a 42 percent increase. That would bring its average monthly winter bill to $229.19.

Equitable Gas’ 46 percent rate hike request would bring its average bill to $237.19.
Bluefield Gas, Hope Gas, Union Oil and Gas, Southern Public Service Co. and Consumers Energy want hikes ranging from 20 to 43 percent.
 

Any approved increases would go into effect Nov. 1. Harris wants the PSC to phase them in over the next couple years.