Cost increase for Columbia Gas customers

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Columbia Gas of Kentucky customers will pay for more natural gas at least until December, according to the company.

The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the increase, effective Aug. 27.

The cost of natural gas is going up 9.87 percent, according to Columbia Gas.

The company adjusts its gas supply cost quarterly to reflect current market conditions.

Natural gas distribution companies don’t earn a profit on their gas commodity costs and Columbia Gas of Kentucky says it passes the cost along to customers without markup.

The company says a customer’s monthly bill has two primary components:  the gas supply cost and delivery costs.  The gas supply cost includes the commodity cost, interstate pipeline charges and storage costs.  The delivery charges cover the cost of delivering the gas to the customer’s home or business through the company’s pipeline infrastructure, as well as line inspection, repair, 24-hour emergency service etc…

More information about how Columbia Gas bills its customers is available on the company’s website.

Columbia Gas officials encourage customers to enroll in the Budget Payment Plan, which spreads winter heating costs throughout the year and allows customers to pay the same amount every month. The Budget Payment Plan begins in May of each year, but customers can enroll at any time by calling 1-800-432-9345 between 7am and 7pm, Monday
through Friday.

Columbia Gas is offering flexible payment plans and financial assistance for customers experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. For information, click here.

Customers who are tenants may also qualify for assistance with utility bills through the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund. Qualifying customers may also qualify for federal assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program through
Community Action by calling 800-244-2285.

Columbia Gas of Kentucky also offers a furnace replacement program for eligible low-income customers in partnership with Community Action Council and its weatherization program. To determine eligibility, customers should call Community Action at 1-800-244-2275.