Columbia Gas of Virginia will implement updated interim base rates for its customers. These rates are proposed in Columbia’s base rate case filed on April 29, 2016 with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
The SCC authorized Columbia to begin collecting the proposed interim base rates, subject to refund, pending the issuance of a final order in the case, which is expected in early 2017. Columbia was last authorized to increase its base rates effective September 29, 2014.
“Our request in this case is directly related to Columbia’s ongoing investments in our infrastructure modernization program, pipeline safety initiatives and the deployment of a well-trained, qualified workforce providing a safe, reliable delivery system that benefits all our customers,” said Brent Archer, President of Columbia Gas of Virginia. “Our ability to proactively improve our infrastructure system, as well as to grow in response to market demand, is enhanced by economically priced natural gas that allows us to manage the overall bill impact to our customers.”
With the interim base rates, a typical residential customer will see the total monthly bill adjusted from the current amount of $31.21 to $35.74 or a change of $4.53 per month for their October bills. This comparison is based on a 1.91 Dekatherms (Dth) seasonal monthly usage level. A Dth is the heating component measurement used for natural gas usage and equal to 1000 cubic feet (Mcf).
The interim base rates, subject to refund, do not include the natural gas commodity portion of a monthly customer bill. Annually, the commodity price represents about 37 percent of customers’ total monthly bills and are not included in the base rate adjustment requested in this case. The commodity costs are instead directly passed through to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
Columbia customers are encouraged to take the following steps to help manage their energy costs:
- Take advantage of cash rebates through WarmWise, Columbia’s energy efficiency and conservation program.
- Enroll in the free Budget Payment Plan
- Perform furnace maintenance
- Install caulking or weather-stripping around windows or doors
- Keep registers and air return ducts clear of furniture, carpet, drapes and vacuum them occasionally
- Add insulation to the attic or crawl spaces
- Install a programmable thermostat
For more information on steps to manage energy costs, customers can call Columbia at 1-800-543-8911 or log on to ColumbiaGasVa.com.
Additional energy savings tips can be found at the following web sites:
- WarmWise – warmwiseva.com
- S. Department of Energy – www.hes.lbl.gov or www.eere.energy.gov
- American Gas Association – aga.org
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