Gas rate hikes to fund pipeline improvements

Atlanta Gas Light Co. customers will begin seeing escalating surcharges on their bills in 2015 as the utility embarks on $261 million in statewide improvements over the next four years, including new natural gas pipelines in South Hall County.

Earlier this month, the Georgia Public Service Commission approved agreements for the improvements to AGL’s pipeline distribution system. The cost to ratepayers will be a 48-cent surcharge added to monthly bills starting in January 2015, then an additional 48 cents beginning in January 2016 and 47 cents starting in January 2017.

“These agreements will ensure that adequate distribution system capacity, system pressure and system resources exist to provide safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to every customer in the (AGL) delivery area,” stated a PSC news release.

“This commission realizes that extending and improving the natural gas distribution system is vital to Georgia’s economic development,” commission Chairman Chuck Eaton said. “(The) decision will allow Atlanta Gas Light Co. to extend service to unserved and underserved customers and will promote economic development across our state.”

Among the work that will be done is the “Northeast Metro Project,” which calls for installation of 12.2 miles of 12-inch transmission pipeline starting at the Suwanee tap station in Gwinnett County.

via Gas rate hikes to fund pipeline improvements.