SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Piedmont Natural Gas today filed a request with the Public Service Commission of South Carolina to update its billing rates through a general rate case proceeding.
The new rates would allow Piedmont to recover recent utility capital investments for its growing South Carolina customer base and the increased cost of capital since its last rate case.
If approved, Piedmont anticipates the rates will go into effect Oct. 1, 2026, with the typical residential customer in South Carolina paying, on average, $7.67 more per month, or $92 more per year.
Piedmont is also requesting concurrent rate reductions for pass-through natural gas costs, which will help mitigate the overall impact on customer bills. The overall revenue increase requested is 6.3%.
Piedmont serves about 170,000 customers in Anderson, Spartanburg, Greenville and Cherokee counties in South Carolina. Piedmont's last general rate case proceeding in South Carolina was in 2022.
"Piedmont works to keep costs as low as possible while safely and reliably serving our customers," said Emily Henson, president of Piedmont Natural Gas. "Raising rates is a decision we never make lightly, and we know any increase may be challenging to some customers.
"Piedmont remains focused on helping our customers manage their bills and energy usage," Henson continued. "We offer a variety of options, including our Equal Payment Plan program, payment assistance programs, and energy-saving tips and tools."
Courtesy: www.prnewswire.com
