August 10th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland Public Service Commission has scheduled two public comment hearings for the rate increase filed by Columbia Gas of Maryland.  Columbia Gas serves 34,000 customers in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties.  The company is requesting an $8.8 million rate increase which it says is necessary to recover the costs of the company’s increased investment in the replacement of pipelines and increased operation and maintenance expenses. The proposed rates would result in an increase of approximately $14.73 on the monthly bill or close to 14%.  Hearings are scheduled on August 22 in Hagerstown and on August 23 at 7pm at the Fairfield Inn on Wineow Street in Cumberland.