The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has scheduled two virtual public comment hearings on Atmos Energy’s proposal to increase natural gas base rates.
The hearings are set for Thursday, April 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the hearing to conclude after public comment but no earlier than 12:15 p.m. A second hearing will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will conclude after public comment but no earlier than 5:15 p.m.
Atmos Energy provides natural gas service to 65 communities in Colorado, including Cortez, Durango, Salida and Gunnison.
The company filed the rate case Nov. 25, seeking a net increase of about $17.56 million in annual base rate revenues, a 13.8% hike, to cover system operations and infrastructure investments.
Atmos Energy also seeks approval of a new charge to address impacts from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and potential changes in state and federal tax laws, according to Megan Castle, communications director for the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
If approved, the average residential customer’s monthly bill would rise by $5.47 in the North rate area, $5.32 in the Southeast and $5.61 in the Southwest. Castle said a commission review will determine whether the proposed rates are “just and reasonable.”
Additional information about Proceeding No. 25AL-0499G is available on the commission’s Key Proceedings Gas Rate Case webpage.
Participants must register for the hearings at puc.colorado.gov.
Residents also may submit comments using the commission’s online form, by emailing dora_puc_comments@state.co.us, by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202, or by calling 303-869-3490. All comments must reference Proceeding No. 25AL-0499G.
