Montana-Dakota Utilities files natural gas price increase request in Montana
BISMARCK, N.D. – Sept. 26, 2017 – Capital investment in pipeline replacement projects enhancing the safety and integrity of the natural gas system, as well as increased costs to operate and maintain that system, are the main drivers in Montana-Dakota Utilities filing a request with the Montana Public Service Commission to increase prices. If approved, the request would increase a residential customer’s bill by an average of about $2.50 a month.
“Our customers expect safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service, as do we. To meet those expectations, we have invested, and will continue to invest, in our infrastructure, which includes replacing dated pipelines,” said Nicole Kivisto, president and CEO of Montana-Dakota. “Our talented employees work hard every day to provide the most efficient and cost-effective service to our customers.”
Since the last increase in distribution prices, the company’s total investment has increased 23 percent, mainly due to its proactive pipeline replacement plan.
The current proposed increase is for $2.8 million in annual revenues, or a 4.1 percent overall increase. Montana-Dakota serves about 84,200 natural gas customers in 36 Montana communities.
The proposed increase for each customer group, taking into consideration studies to determine the full cost to serve each customer group, is:
- Residential 5.5 percent
- Firm general 2.2 percent
- Small Interruptible 0.4 percent
- Large Interruptible 0.5 percent
The PSC has up to nine months to issue a decision on the proposed increase request. Montana-Dakota also has filed a request for an interim rate increase of 2.3 percent, or $1.6 million over current annual revenues, which, if approved, would be implemented while the PSC reviews the overall request. The interim increase would be $1.08 more per month for the average residential customer.
Montana-Dakota encourages customers to use energy wisely. Conservation tips, information on energy assistance and information on the company’s balanced billing program can be found on Montana-Dakota’s website: www.montana-dakota.com.
Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. distributes natural gas and generates, transmits and distributes electricity and provides related services in the northern Great Plains. The company serves approximately 143,000 electric customers and 270,000 natural gas customers in 262 communities in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. Montana-Dakota is a division of MDU Resources Group, Inc., which provides essential products and services through its regulated energy delivery and construction materials and services businesses. It is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as “MDU.” For more information about MDU Resources, visit the company’s website at www.mdu.com. For more information about Montana-Dakota, visit www.montana-dakota.com.
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Media Contact: Mark Hanson at (701) 530-1093 or [email protected]