CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The glut of natural gas will once again benefit consumers in West Virginia this winter.
According to the state Public Service Commission, nearly every natural gas utility doing business in the state has requested a decrease in the Purchase Gas Adjustment (PGA) portion of their overall rates.
“More than 96% of the state’s residential natural gas customers will benefit from the lower costs, while increased gas costs will affect less than 4% of customers,” PSC Chair Charlotte Lane said this week.
Information from recent filings show the two largest gas utilities in the state, Hope Gas and Mountaineer Gas, are seeking some of the largest decreases. Hope Gas requested a 9.16% decrease and Mountaineer has asked for a 4.52% decrease.
The most significant decreases were filed by Standard Gas Company (26.08%), Consumers Gas Utility Company (24.19%) and Southern Public Service Company (22.54%).
Consumers will begin noticing the decreases on the bills they receive after Nov. 1, Lane said.
“This will be especially good news for families who may be struggling to pay the bills due to the difficulties brought on by COVID-19,” Lane said.
Two natural gas utilities filed for increases; Canaan Valley Gas Company (16.21%) and A.V. Company (72.32%).
Companies determine their PGA by estimating what they expect to pay for gas from their suppliers between Nov. 1 and Oct. 31 of the following year. There’s also a “true up” portion of the request that figures in actual costs from the previous year. The PGA includes no profit for the utility.