CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Public Service Commission has granted the attorneys negotiating the Hope Gas rate increase an extension to reach a settlement in the case.
The proposed increase would be an estimated 25% increase for current residential customers and a 35% increase for former Peoples Gas customers. The increase for Hope Gas residential customers would be about $21 monthly, while the increase for Peoples Gas customers would be about $27.
Steptoe and Johnson attorney representing Hope Gas, Kurt Krieger requested the extension Tuesday after reviewing progress with the commission. He said both sides were creative and working through tough issues and had the confidence they could reach a settlement by working through the night if needed.
“Like we’ve discussed, we would like the time this afternoon and this evening to see if we can make continuing progress on a comprehensive settlement,” Krieger said.
PSC Chairman Charlotte Lane granted the request with the condition that if a settlement isn’t reached, they’ll be at the PSC in Charleston until an agreement is reached Wednesday.
“It’s the feeling amongst the three of us that we DO NOT want to have this hearing continued until Thursday,” Lane said. “So, if you don’t reach a settlement, be prepared to stay all day tomorrow until we get all of the witnesses done.”
No details of the negotiations or the settlement were released, but Krieger seemed to think there were more areas of agreement and potential compromise than differences.
“It’s a lot of discussion, a lot of tension, and difficult issues,” Krieger said. “But, we still see nothing but forward progress, and I think all of the parties would agree.”
The evidentiary hearing will reconvene in Charleston at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.