Rapid City, S.D.-based utility Black Hills Energy said Thursday (Oct. 15) new natural gas base rates will increase the average residential customer’s monthly bill by $6 or 8% for Arkansas customers. The new rates went into effect Oct. 12.
The Arkansas Public Service Commission approved the new rates for Black Hills Energy. According to a news release, the rates will “support critical infrastructure investments needed for the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to more than 189,000 customers across the state.”
The rate increase is based on average monthly usage of 49 Ccf, or hundred cubic feet. The new rate does not affect the cost of natural gas, which is adjusted twice a year in Arkansas. Natural gas prices are a pass-through cost without any markup from Black Hills Energy…