BALTIMORE (AP) - The state Public Service Commission is proposing about a 10 percent rate increase for western Maryland customers of Columbia Gas.
The utility regulator issued the proposed order Monday. It becomes final Oct. 27 unless it’s appealed.
The increase reflects a settlement between the company, commission staff and the Office of the People’s Counsel, which represents the public.
The increase will boost the company’s annual revenue by $3.7 million Columbia Gas had filed for an increase of $6.5 million, which would have increased a typical residential customer’s bill by 21 percent.
The company says the increase reflects investments in its pipelines, and higher operating and maintenance expenses.
Columbia Gas has about 33,000 customers in Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties. The company is a subsidiary of NiSource Inc., based in Merrillville, Indiana.
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