Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division, filed public notice for a rate increase as part of a process begun in September 2007, according to Doug Hill, manager of public affairs in the Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division office, based in Waco.
If the rate increase is approved by customer cities, the rates would become effective Oct. 1.
Under the proposed changes, a residential customer with a bill of $75.10 would pay $78.12, a $3.02 increase.
The figure represents a 4.02-percent increase and accounts for the cost of gas incurred by the company, officials said. Excluding the cost of gas, the increase represents a 15.55-percent increase, according to figures from Atmos.
Hill said the residential customer charge, or operating expenses of the company, would go from $10.69 to $7. The commercial charge would go from $20.28 to $13.50. Hill said the reduction in the operating expense charge would be made up on the portion of the bill detailing volume of gas used by each customer.
He said the reduced customer fee would benefit low income and low volume users.
In addition, the increased rate on the volume part of the customer’s bill comes from the company’s cost of getting gas, Hill said.
“We only pass on what we pay for natural gas on behalf of our customers,” Hill said. “We are not allowed by law to make a profit on the cost of natural gas. Whatever we pay for it is exactly what we pass on to the consumer.”
According to Atmos figures, the rates, if approved, would increase the company’s annual revenues,which are now $28.55 million. The increase would be 2.07 percent if it included the company’s cost of acquring gas, or 8.49 percent, excluding the cost of gas.
Jonathan Graham, Temple city attorney, said that in February, the city approved a settlement agreement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee, of which Temple is a member, and Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division, regarding Atmos’ statement of intent to change gas rates. The other cities, except for Dallas, approved the settlement. Dallas is challenging the increase.
Hill said the company has a number of programs available for people who cannot pay their bill.
“If a customer feels like they are unable to pay the bill they just need to call us and let us know,” he said.
