The natural gas provider serving Stinesville, Community Natural Gas, has petitioned the state to increase its residential and business rates. The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is accepting written feedback from the public until July 7.
The privately owned utility company based in Mount Carmel, Illinois, cited operating and maintenance costs, as well as infrastructure improvements, as reasons it is asking for the increase.
If approved, residential customers would see their monthly customer service charge rise from $12 to $13, and business customers would see theirs increase from $24 to $30.
The increase would only apply to the non-gas portion of the customers’ bills, called base distribution rates, which the company uses to account for operating and maintenance expenses and infrastructure improvements. This portion of the bill accounts for 45% to 50% of its total.
In addition, the proposal would raise the base rate’s volumetric portion – based on the cost of service for residential users and commercial users, then divided among them.
The two increases together are expected to drive Community Natural Gas revenue up 19.25%.
Community Natural Gas serves Stinesville, as well as parts of Gibson, Posey, Dubois, Spencer, Greene, Pike, Warrick, Owen and Sullivan counties.
The last time the company raised its service rates was mid-2013.
Consumers who wish to provide written comment may do so at the OUCC’s website, by mail, email or fax.
Originally published in Ellettsville Journal, 2016. Republished here for archival and portfolio purposes.