Summary
Gas bills rise about 16-17% on average starting September 1: the per-therm charge jumps 41% and the service charge 9%, driven by a projected $760,000 gas fund loss after a warm year with low usage.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
Average residential bills rise from about $1,425 to $1,553 per month; the per-therm rate increases 41%.
Gas system stability and infrastructure maintenance; ultimately customers who avoid larger future catch-up hikes.
Residential gas customers facing higher bills, particularly large winter users.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Board of Public Utilities — October 21, 2026
Members questioned why excess easement and gas asset transfers go straight to Council without board review. Staff said it's simply practice, and the chair plans to raise it with the utility director.
Board of Public Utilities Work Session — October 7, 2026
The annual checkup on the natural gas system covering safety and regulatory compliance. Reassuring routine oversight for anyone with a gas meter.
County Council - Regular Session — August 25, 2026
Gas bills go up roughly 16-17% on average under a single-year rate adjustment after the council rejected a multi-year version in June. The utility says it needs the money to rebuild cash reserves and maintain the system; one councilor argued the system's margin should cover costs without a hike.
Board of Public Utilities — July 22, 2026
Gas bills rise about 16-17% on average starting September 1: the per-therm charge jumps 41% and the service charge 9%, driven by a projected $760,000 gas fund loss after a warm year with low usage.
Board of Public Utilities — June 17, 2026
The gas fund is projected to lose about $760,000 this year, and Council asked the board to come back with a one-year (single-step) rate increase instead of the rejected two-year version. A resident worried about stacking it on the July electric increase. The ordinance comes back July 22 for formal consideration.
County Council - Regular Session — June 9, 2026
The proposed two-year gas rate increase would have raised typical bills about 17% this July and 11% next year to fix a $1.7 million gas fund deficit. The council rejected it 3-4, and residents testified bills are already unaffordable. The utility fund deficit and required PRC compliance remain unresolved.
County Council - Regular Session — May 19, 2026
Introduction of Code Ordinance No. 02-379 would amend the county code's gas service rate sections — the first step in a possible rate change.
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