Rate increase proposal draws only five people to PUC hearing
A proposed natural-gas rate increase hasn't riled up ratepayers.
Only five people attended a Thursday consumer session inside offices of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada. While they testified against the increase, some said they'll accept higher rates if the commission deems costs necessary.
"If it's a legitimate increase, and the PUC goes through the figures and says, 'Yes,' then I have to go along with it, but I hope they question thoroughly the information they have in front of them," said Las Vegan Gary Brodt.
Southwest Gas has asked for a 6.2 percent rate increase to cover $24.9 million in added annual revenue. If the commission OKs the request, the average monthly local gas bill would rise $3.75, from $45.30 to $49.05, on Nov. 1.
The utility also wants a surcharge to pay for pipeline replacement. The monthly surcharge would start at 16 cents in 2012 and go up to $2.31 in 2020.
