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Show i i i Utah Gas gains most j I of asked for rate hike I Almost 75 per cent of a rate I hike requested by Utah Gas Service j was granted by the Utah Public j Service Commission on Feb. 17. The PSC authorized an annual rate increase of $300,000, based on I an 11.2 per cent rate of return on I rate base, and 15 per cent rate of j return on equity. The company had j asked for a $427,002 increase. j Inflation was the main reason I given by Utah Gas for seeking the J increase. The last general rate I increase authorized by the PSC for I Utah Gas was in September 1975, j however since that time several pass-through increases have been I granted. These reflect a pass- J through to customers of higher gas j priced charged to Utah Gas by its suppliers. I Industrial users, which con- ' sume 53 per cent of the gas sold by j the company, will assume that j same share of the price rate j increase. The major industrial I consumers include Texasgulf , Atlas I Minerals and Rio Algom, near ! Moab, and Stauffer Chemical Co., in Uintah County. i In its decision the PSC also j allowed Utah Gas to continue with I its exploration program. The j Division of Public Utilities took the position in the hearing that Utah Gas ought to be able to continue its I exploration program with the I stipulation that it immediately j attempt to lease or sell acreage the j company obtained about 4 years ago but has not explored. I |