Public Service Commission says most Atmos gas customers' bills to drop

The Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Many natural gas customers of Atmos Energy Corp. will see their bills drop starting today, the Missouri Public Service Commission said.

The drop reflects changes in wholesale costs of natural gas and adjustments in the company's tool for handling under- or overcharges for gas costs.

The company's residential customers in Southeast Missouri have been paying about $1.11 per 100 cubic feet of gas, but the rate will drop to about 95 cents for that same amount.

Atmos Energy has about 32,780 natural gas customers in Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne counties.

Up to 75 percent of natural gas bills reflect the wholesale cost of gas, which the commission does not regulate, the PSC said.

Rates for Atmos customers elsewhere also are changing. The rate for 125 customers in Butler and Ripley counties is rising from 73 cents to $1.18 per 100 cubic feet of gas, but customers elsewhere will see declining rates.

About 14,750 northeast Missouri customers can expect rates to drop by about 6 cents per 100 cubic feet of gas, to 84 cents.

About 5,550 natural gas customers in the company's Kirksville district will see a drop in rates from $1.13 per 100 cubic feet to 68 cents.

About 3,600 customers in Bates, Cass, Henry and St. Clair counties were paying $1.01 per 100 cubic feet, but now will pay 74 cents for that amount, the commission said. About 400 other Bates County customers will see a 13-cent drop.