Black Hills Energy submit rate review proposal for natural gas investments in Arkansas
Black Hills Energy recently submitted a regulatory rate review proposal to the Arkansas Public Service Commission (PSC) to recover investments in its natural gas infrastructure in Arkansas.
Black Hills invested over $160 million since 2016 in replacing, upgrading, and maintaining approximately 5,500 miles of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines in the state.
“Black Hills Energy is committed to being the energy partner of choice for our Arkansas communities and customers–a commitment we’ve demonstrated through investments in our infrastructure, in our communities and in current and projected job growth,” Todd Jacobs, vice president of natural gas operations for Black Hills Energy in Arkansas, said. “Our Arkansas-based staff additions reflect the strength of the state’s economy, show the ready access to a highly-qualified local workforce, and demonstrate Black Hills’ long-term commitment to Arkansas.”
The proposed new natural gas service delivery rate would lead to an increase of $10.65 per month for the typical residential customer bill, based on an average monthly usage of 49 centum cubic-feet (CCFs). The natural gas commodity cost is a direct pass-through to customers, meaning there is no markup or profit.
“The proposed change in our service rates will enable us to continue our investments in people and infrastructure, meet the needs of a growing system, and continue our commitment to reliability and safety that our customers have come to expect,” Jacobs said.
If approved, the new rate would take effect in late 2018 for Black Hills’ natural gas customers in 104 Arkansas communities, including Bentonville, Blytheville, Fayetteville, Harrison, Ozark, Rogers, and Springdale.
