Atmos files for $3.9 million rate increase

MEEKER | Atmos Energy Corporation filed July 8 with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission for an overall increase of $3.9 million in the annual revenues of its Colorado natural gas utility operations. Atmos Energy last filed for a rate increase in Colorado in 2002.
“Over the years Atmos Energy is proud to have avoided the need for a rate increase by running our operations exceptionally well,” said Gary Schlessman, president of Atmos Energy’s Colorado-Kansas Division. “An increase is now necessary to keep pace with higher costs and return on our investment.”
If approved, the average monthly bill for residential customers in northwest/central Colorado will increase $1.62 per month, or 3 percent. For commercial customers, the average monthly bill will decrease by $1.89, a 1 percent decrease. Atmos proposes that the filed rates will become effective Aug. 12. However, the request is subject to suspension by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission while the filing is being reviewed.
Atmos, the country’s largest natural gas-only distributor, serves approximately 110,000 natural gas customers in 62 communities in Colorado.
Atmos Energy’s Colorado-Kansas Division, headquartered in Denver, serves approximately 241,000 customers in 171 communities in the two states.