Questar Gas Requests Rate Increase

SALT LAKE CITY -- Questar Gas today asked the Wyoming Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve a $454,841 increase in its Wyoming natural gas rates. If approved, the typical customer's annual bill will increase $14.25, or 1.82 percent. This change is requested to go into effect Jan. 1, 2001.

The request is part of Questar's gas-cost-adjustment or "pass-on" filing. Such filings enable the company to adjust rates at least twice each year to reflect changes in gas-supply costs. This increase reflects expected purchased-gas costs.

In the past several months, gas prices have increased significantly, both nationally and in Wyoming. However, Questar Gas has been able to keep costs down because more than half the natural gas it provides to customers comes from Questar Gas-owned wells and is delivered to customers at "cost-of-service" pricing, which is considerably lower and more stable than that for gas purchased from outside suppliers. This combination of market and company-owned supplies has helped stabilize gas costs.

With this increase, rates for Questar Gas customers will be about 15 percent higher than last year. Customers should note however, that bills could be even higher because of increased natural gas usage. With temperatures significantly colder than last year, customers are using more natural gas.

Customers who are unable to pay their bills can apply for assistance through Wyoming's LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) at any LIEAP outreach office. For forms or information, call (800) 246-4221. For additional help, customers may also call Energy Share of Wyoming. Applications are available at the Salvation Army in Laramie, (307) 742-5414.