Intermountain Gas rates increase this month

The price of natural gas will go up an average 1.58 percent for Intermountain Gas customers effective May 1. The company originally sought a 4 percent increase when it filed a rate case with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) last August. The company revised that to an average 3.7 percent increase after a 3-day technical hearing. The IPUC’s final order allowed an increase in Intermountain Gas’ annual revenue requirement of $4.12 million. The company had originally requested $10.2 million but revised that downward to $9.35 million. Part of the 1.58 percent increase is an adjustment in the monthly customer service charge to $5.50 for residential customers and $9.50 for commercial customers. The current charge for residential customers is $2.50 per month from April through November and $6.50 in December through March. In addition to basic rates, the IPUC accepted Intermountain’s request to consolidate its two residential rate classes into one class and two industrial transportation classes into one class. The commission also accepted the company’s request to eliminate seasonal rates. The commission also adopted Intermountain Gas’ proposal to create demand-side management programs. They are designed to help customers reduce natural gas consumption and decrease the amount of gas the company would have to buy from wholesale suppliers. The commission adopted a proposal to implement a demand charge on top of the commodity charge for its large volume and transportation customers. The commission’s order and other documents related to the case can be found here.