Natural gas prices increase in Upstate

Wednesday, September 27, 2000 Associated Press

COLUMBIA - Natural gas users in the Upstate will have to dig deeper in their pockets to stay warm this winter, following two decisions by state regulators. The Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved rate increases for Piedmont Natural Gas Co., which serves much of the Upstate, and United Cities Gas Co., which serves Gaffney and some other parts of Cherokee County. "This is just a pass through involving the cost of gas," said Gary Walsh, commission executive director. Piedmont customers can expect to pay an additional $10.25 for 100 therms of natural gas the typical residential customer uses in a month, Walsh said. That will increase the average bill to $107.32.

For United Cities, the increase will be $8.14 a month, for a monthly average of $92.93. Both increases take effect with the October billing. The PSC will consider adjusting the costs for customers of South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. in October, Walsh said.

http://www.charleston.net/pub/news/state/natur0927.htm

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), September 27, 2000