Natural gas rate drops 50% from September

8/14/2009

Columbia Gas of Ohio said yesterday that its September rate for natural gas will rise to 54 cents per 100 cubic feet, two cents more than its August rate but still a 50 percent decrease from a year ago when its rate was $1.09. It will be the lowest September rate since 1999.

The rate, which is subject to approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, will put the estimated average bill for Columbia Gas customers at $25. The rate is effective Aug. 27 and will run through Sept. 27.

Columbia Gas rate affects only its direct customers, about 22 percent of metro Toledo and northern Ohio homeowners who are in the utility s service territory. The other 78 percent buy natural gas from independent marketers.