Piedmont Natural Gas Requests Approval for Rate Adjustment in South Carolina
Piedmont Natural Gas has recently submitted a request to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina with the aim of updating their billing rates as part of a comprehensive rate adjustment. This filing is driven by the necessity to recover recent infrastructure investments supporting an expanding customer base in South Carolina. Additionally, the adjustment will account for increased capital costs since the last review was conducted.
If the commission grants approval, customers can expect these new rates to come into effect starting October 1, 2026. On average, the typical residential customer will see an increase of approximately $7.67 per month, summing up to an annual rise of around $92. However, in conjunction with this rate increase, Piedmont is also requesting a reduction in the costs associated with natural gas purchases. This dual approach aims to lessen the overall impact of the proposed tariff adjustments on customer utility bills.
Piedmont Natural Gas currently serves around 170,000 customers across Anderson, Spartanburg, Greenville, and Cherokee counties. The last general rate case for the utility also took place in South Carolina in 2022, reflecting Piedmont's ongoing efforts to keep its services affordable while maintaining safety and reliability.
Emily Henson, the president of Piedmont Natural Gas, emphasized the company's commitment to managing costs judiciously. "Raising rates is something we approach with significant care," she noted. Henson acknowledged the potential strain any increase might place on customers, reinforcing the company's dedication to helping them manage their energy expenses.
To assist customers in coping with their energy bills, Piedmont offers several resources, including the Equal Payment Plan (EPP). This program allows customers to stabilize their monthly gas payments, converting annual consumption into a predictable monthly fee to avoid unexpected fluctuations. For those experiencing financial hardships, resources such as 'Share the Warmth' are available to provide assistance with utility bills, ensuring families receive the help they need no matter their energy source.
Moreover, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) also extends financial support to those in need for various energy costs including natural gas and electricity. Interested parties are encouraged to apply for this program and explore others available at Piedmont’s assistance webpage.
Piedmont also prioritizes empowering its customers with energy-saving tools and advice aimed at raising awareness of their energy usage. The company believes that by educating customers on energy-efficient practices, they can better manage their bills while contributing to a sustainable environment.
As a subsidiary of Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas brings over a million customers natural gas services across North Carolina and South Carolina. Their proactive measures and ongoing commitment to customer service demonstrate the company’s dedication to meeting the energy demands of its service areas. Further information can be found on their official website, and updates are made available through their social media channels.
In summary, the proposed rate adjustment by Piedmont Natural Gas reflects the company's response to increased operational costs while simultaneously aiming to mitigate impacts through rate reductions on natural gas cost pass-throughs. As the situation develops, customers will soon learn more about how these adjustments will affect their utility bills and what assistance programs are available to them.
If the commission grants approval, customers can expect these new rates to come into effect starting October 1, 2026. On average, the typical residential customer will see an increase of approximately $7.67 per month, summing up to an annual rise of around $92. However, in conjunction with this rate increase, Piedmont is also requesting a reduction in the costs associated with natural gas purchases. This dual approach aims to lessen the overall impact of the proposed tariff adjustments on customer utility bills.
Piedmont Natural Gas currently serves around 170,000 customers across Anderson, Spartanburg, Greenville, and Cherokee counties. The last general rate case for the utility also took place in South Carolina in 2022, reflecting Piedmont's ongoing efforts to keep its services affordable while maintaining safety and reliability.
Emily Henson, the president of Piedmont Natural Gas, emphasized the company's commitment to managing costs judiciously. "Raising rates is something we approach with significant care," she noted. Henson acknowledged the potential strain any increase might place on customers, reinforcing the company's dedication to helping them manage their energy expenses.
To assist customers in coping with their energy bills, Piedmont offers several resources, including the Equal Payment Plan (EPP). This program allows customers to stabilize their monthly gas payments, converting annual consumption into a predictable monthly fee to avoid unexpected fluctuations. For those experiencing financial hardships, resources such as 'Share the Warmth' are available to provide assistance with utility bills, ensuring families receive the help they need no matter their energy source.
Moreover, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) also extends financial support to those in need for various energy costs including natural gas and electricity. Interested parties are encouraged to apply for this program and explore others available at Piedmont’s assistance webpage.
Piedmont also prioritizes empowering its customers with energy-saving tools and advice aimed at raising awareness of their energy usage. The company believes that by educating customers on energy-efficient practices, they can better manage their bills while contributing to a sustainable environment.
As a subsidiary of Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas brings over a million customers natural gas services across North Carolina and South Carolina. Their proactive measures and ongoing commitment to customer service demonstrate the company’s dedication to meeting the energy demands of its service areas. Further information can be found on their official website, and updates are made available through their social media channels.
In summary, the proposed rate adjustment by Piedmont Natural Gas reflects the company's response to increased operational costs while simultaneously aiming to mitigate impacts through rate reductions on natural gas cost pass-throughs. As the situation develops, customers will soon learn more about how these adjustments will affect their utility bills and what assistance programs are available to them.
Topics Energy）
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