Oct. 12, 2005
 
Bluefield Gas Seeks 52.6% Boost in Natural Gas Prices – On Top of Previous 21%
 
By William Paine
Bluefield News Network Writer
 
Bluefield, WV (BNN) -- Before a request for a 21 percent price increase was published in the local paper, Bluefield Gas had already asked the Consumer Advocate and Public Service Divisions’ for a 52.6 percent increase in the price of natural gas.
 
Currently consumers pay $9.28 per metric cubic foot or MCF of natural gas. The 21 percent rate increase which will likely be approved will raise the price to $11.27 MCF.
 
If the new rate is approved the price will rise to $15.02 per MCF. Editor’s Note: An employee of the Consumer Advocate Division in Charleston said Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005 that an administrative law judge will rule on the request on Oct. 11. Following the ruling, a public hearing will be scheduled to hear complaints from consumers.