The Shadow
CHESTER — Columbia Gas of Virginia residential natural gas customers will receive a one-time refund in their July or August bills as a result of an order issued this month by the State Corporation Commission.
The average residential customer refund is approximately $23, based on customer usage.
The refund reflects the difference between Columbia’s new base rates approved by the commission and interim rates that took effect, subject to refund, on Jan. 31.
Going forward, customers will see their seasonal monthly bills increase slightly (by an average of $1.99 per month or approximately 2.7 percent) when compared with rates that were in effect prior to Jan. 31.
The new base rates include costs associated with natural gas delivery, distribution and customer service — including investments that Columbia Gas is making to enhance system safety, reliability and customer service.
The commission’s order also addresses customer savings associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. As a result, customers will also see a monthly credit in their bills beginning in August 2019 until July 2020.
Base rates represent about 60 percent of a typical customer’s total bill. The remaining 40 percent of the bill consists of natural gas costs, which are directly passed through to customers on a dollar-fordollar basis.
Columbia Gas encourages customers to enroll in free programs which can help manage their energy bills, including:
— The budget payment plan, which allows customers to spread energy costs evenly throughout the year.
— The WarmWise energy efficiency and conservation program (www.warmwiseva.com).
— Paperless billing, which saves energy and natural resources required to produce paper bills.
Customers with questions regarding rates or refunds may call 1-800-543-8911 or visit columbiagasva.com for more information.
