Natural Gas Rates Could Rise
Written by Andrew-Rossi on November 29, 2017
Natural gas rates could rise in Northwest Wyoming for the first time since 2003.
Black Hills Energy this month submitted a rate review proposal to the Wyoming Public Service Commission. According to Shirley Welte, Vice President of Utility Operations for the company, the increase is being requested in order to cover investments made by Black Hills Energy to improve safety, reliability and system integrity for natural gas service for its customers in northwest Wyoming – that includes the communities of Cody, Meeteetse, Ralston and the surrounding rural areas.
Since acquiring the system in 2015, Black Hills Energy has invested $6 million to replace, upgrade and maintain 620 miles of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. But Welte says that the upgrades were necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of the natural gas delivery system.
As proposed, a typical residential customer’s bill would increase by about $12.71 per month. If approved, the new rates would take effect in mid-2018 for Black Hills Energy’s 7,200 natural gas customers in northwest Wyoming.
Customers who would like information about saving energy or bill payment assistance should call Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554.
