Friday, September 15, 2000
Hamilton gas rates to rise 35%
Prices up at supplier level
By Earnest Winston
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON — City residents will soon have to dig deeper to pay for natural gas.
City Council members on Wednesday voted 5-1 to approve a 35 percent rate increase for its natural gas customers, effective Oct. 1.
“The actual gas cost increase to the average Hamilton residential consumer for this heating season will be $161,” said Mark Brandenburger, deputy city manager.
Maureen Gallardo of Hamilton said she's not worried about paying more for natural gas. Last month, her gas bill was $16.69; in June, it was $25.01.
“I don't think that's too bad. My son lives in Minnesota, and he says his gas bill is going up, too. I don't think it's just a problem in Hamilton, it's probably going on nationwide,” Mrs. Gallardo said.
The city just ended a three-year contract for natural gas with Duke Energy. Hamilton paid Duke about 30 cents per 100 cubic feet. Under a new contract, the city will pay 48 cents per 100 cubic feet.
“Unfortunately, the price of gas has increased dramatically,” Councilwoman Sharon Hughes said. “... We have to pass the cost to the customer.”
Councilman Dick Holzberger was the only one to vote against the gas increase.
“We are sort of being held captive because the gas industry, both natural as well the petroleum for our vehicles, is out of control,” he said.“... Should we sell our utilities?”
Said City Manager Steve Sorrell: “The way our rates are formed here is we pay so much for a raw gas price, then we have transportation and administrative charges.”
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