EKB News

Columbia Gas is seeking approval from the state Public Service Commission for a 7% increase in rates for its 140,000 customers in 31 counties in central and eastern Kentucky. The company says it needs the increase to continue to replace aging lines, many of which the company says are bare steel or unprotected or uncoated pipe. The proposal would aid in replacing 525 miles of lines, allow the company to recover almost $11 million spent in 2008 and boost revenues by about $11.6 million. Columbia is also asking the PSC to change its rate structure for delivery fees to include only a flat fee. Delivery fees are 30% of the bills and where the company makes its profit.