Idaho Utility Seeks Decrease In Natural Gas Rates

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Intermountain Gas Co. is asking state utility regulators to sign off on a plan to decrease rates for its natural gas customers.

The company filed a proposed 21.6 percent rate decrease Wednesday with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.

If approved, company officials say the change, valued at more than $74 million, could save some residential customers nearly $200 per year. It hopes to integrate the new pricing in October.

The proposal is part of the company's annual fuel adjustment filed with the commission and based on an abundant market supply of natural gas.

The company calculates that residential customers who heat their homes and water with gas could save about $16 per month. Commercial customers could save an estimated $69 on their monthly gas bills.

The company, a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group Inc., serves more than 300,000 customers in Idaho.