FAMILY BUDGETS NEED FURTHER ADJUSTMENT - Natural Gas And Water Rates Going Up

(09/29/2004)

Mountaineer Gas Company, West Virginia's largest natural gas supplier, wants another raise on residential rates, likely ten percent. They are also asking for lesser rate increases for commercial and industrial customers. Mountaineer has more than 200,000 customers in the state. The company was among four gas companies already asking the PSC for rate hikes in August to compensate for rising gas costs. Under the earlier request, customers would pay an average of $24 dollars more starting this November First. Water rates may be going up for 165,000 customers in 17 counties. West Virginia-American Water Company, now owned by a German company, is asking for a 17.74 percent increase. They want a 10.6 percent return for their investors. Consumer advocate for the PSC, Billy Jack Gregg, says $10 million of $17 million being asked is for profit. Many of the state's water outfits were once funded by taxpayer money and operated in the public interest as a public utility. They have been privatized and sold to the highest bidding multi-national corporation . "What has gone on is massive spending, coupled with the hope that sales would increase," Gregg said. "It's a gamble that failed." The WV company has among the highest water rates in the US.

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