Columbia Gas seeks OK for rate below $1

7/18/2006

For the first time in more than a year, the rate that Columbia Gas of Ohio customers will pay in August will be less than $1 per 100 cubic feet of gas.

The firm attributed the price decline to its surplus of gas. It filed a rate request yesterday with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, asking to charge 94 cents per 100 cubic feet for the billing cycle that starts July 31, down from the $1.02 now.

Because of low use in August, the average bill will be $30.36, a spokesman said. A year ago, the rate was $1.06.