Sure! Here’s a suitable heading for your <div>:

Kentucky Public Service Commission Approves New Rates for Atmos Energy Corporation

Feel free to adjust the heading level or wording as needed!

Kentucky Public Service Commission Lowers Atmos Energy Rate Increase

FRANKFORT, Ky. – In a significant decision for consumers, the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved new base rates for Atmos Energy Corporation that fall below the utility’s initial request. This move comes as part of the PSC’s ongoing efforts to balance the needs of the utility with the financial realities faced by residents.

On September 27, 2024, Atmos Energy filed for a general rate adjustment, seeking a hefty increase of $33 million—an overall hike of 17.9 percent. However, the PSC has determined that only a revenue increase of $15.7 million, or 8.4 percent, is warranted.

As part of the new order, the PSC has approved an increase in the average residential monthly customer charge from $19.30 to $25.00, marking a 29.5 percent rise. Additionally, the residential gas charge will see a slight increase from $1.5483 per Mcf to $1.6261 per Mcf, a rise of 5.02 percent. For the average residential customer using 5.2 Mcf monthly, this translates to an average bill of $33.73—an increase of $6.38, or 23.34 percent, from the previous average of $27.35.

In a proactive measure, the PSC has also raised the cap on Atmos’ Pipeline Replacement Program from $28 million to $40 million annually. This adjustment allows for the replacement of older, potentially hazardous pipelines, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to safety and infrastructure improvement.

The Attorney General of Kentucky was the sole intervenor in this case, while Kentucky Industrial Utility Customers, Inc. initially sought to intervene but later withdrew its motion.

Atmos Energy, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, serves approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states, with around 180,694 of those in central and western Kentucky. This marks the company’s second rate adjustment request in Kentucky since 2021.

The PSC, an independent agency under the Energy and Environment Cabinet, oversees more than 1,100 utilities in the state, ensuring that both consumer interests and utility needs are addressed.

As Kentucky residents brace for the upcoming changes in their gas bills, the PSC’s decision underscores its role in regulating utility rates while prioritizing consumer protection.