Associated Press Published

Gas Companies Seek Surcharges for Infrastructure Programs

pipeline construction

Customers of Mountaineer Gas and Dominion Hope could see small increases in their monthly bills to fund infrastructure replacement and upgrade programs.

Both companies have asked the Public Service Commission to approve such programs, which include surcharges to pay for projects.

Dominion Hope plans to invest about $158 million over five years in its program. Its proposed surcharge would add 62 cents to a residential customer’s average monthly bill.

Mountaineer plans to invest $75 million over five years in its program. If approved, a residential customer who uses an average of 6,000 cubic feet of natural gas per month would pay an additional 17 cents.

The companies’ proposals stem from legislation approved this year aimed at encouraging natural gas utilities to invest capital in infrastructure.