WASHINGTON — Washington Gas is requesting a rate increase that would add about $3 to the monthly bills of Virginia customers.
About half of the utility’s natural gas customers live in Virginia.
Washington Gas filed the rate hike application with the Virginia State Corporation Commission for its based rates for natural gas service. It would generate $45.6 million in new revenue. That includes $22.3 million for natural gas pipeline replacements already approved by the Commission and currently paid by customers through a monthly rider.
A typical Washington Gas customer in Virginia would see his residential heating bill rise by 4.6 percent on average. That would add about$3.08 per month to the average bill.
The proposed rate increase also would pay for initiatives to lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions, Washington Gas parent WGL Company said in a statement.
Specifically, the rate increase would help fund conversion to natural gas in locations the utility already serves, as well as expanding its natural gas system to high-growth communities in Virginia, the utility said.
If approved, the rate increase would go into effect in December. Washington Gas’ last rate increase in Virginia was in October 2011.
About 512,000 of Washington Gas’ 1.1 million customers are in Virginia.
