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Public Service Commission Investigates Natual Gas Prices

October 26, 2005
By: Jonathan Levin
State Capital Bureau

Natural gas prices are on the rise in Missouri but a Public Service Commission investigation is trying to ensure they don't go up any more than they have to. Jonathan Levin has more from the state Capitol.

State law requires all public utility companies to do everything in their power to try and hedge rising utility costs.

Last month the public service commission opened a case to make sure they were doing just that.

The office of public council filed one complaint against the very small, Southern Missouri Gas Company but Warren Wood of the PSC says more companies may find charges coming their way.

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Contents: To the degree dependent on what information we gather, we may file complaints as well. We don't have a complaint typed up and ready to file at this point, but I certainly wouldn't suggest that we may not do so.

According to Missouri Gas Energy and Laclede, residents can expect a 35-40% in prices this winter.

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The Public Service Commission last month launched an investigation into rising natural gas prices. Jonathan Levin has more from the State Capitol.

The rise in natural gas prices is due to mostly to an increase in the wholesale price of natural gas.

The Public Service Commission however launched an investigation to ensure natural gas providers are following state statutes by doing what they can to hedge pricing.

George Csolak of Leclede Gas says they are complying with the PSC's inquiry.

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Contents: We have cooperated with everything that have asked us for and were also going the extra mile to warn customers what to expect this year.

What to expect this year Csolak says is a roughly 40% increase in natural gas prices. Thus far the investigation has brought charges against one company, the very small, Souther Missouri Gas Company.

From the state Capitol, I'm Jonathan Levin.

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A Public Service Commission investigation into rising natural gas prices in under way. Jonathan Levin has more from the Capitol.

The wholesale price of natual gas is up forcing providers to pass the increase costs onto consumers.

In the wake of that, the Public Service Commission launced an investigation to ensure companies are following state law by doing what they can to hedge priceing.

Thus far one very small, rural provider, Southern Missouri Gas Company has been charged with not doing their part, but Warren Wood of the PSC says more companies may face charges.

Actuality:
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OutCue:
Contents: To the degree dependent on what information we gather, we may file complaints as well, we don't have a complaint typed up and ready to file at this point, but I certainly wouldn't suggest that doesn't mean we may not do so.

The office of Public Council filed the initial complaint. From the state Capitol, I'm Jonathan Levin.