Vernal Express | 1979-12-13 | Page 16 | Utah Gas Co. Increase Reduced

Utah Gas Co. increase reduced Utah Gas Service Co. has reduced the amount of its most recent fuel cost rate increase by $8,323, to $559,630. The rate hike will mean an additional $35.77 per year for the utility's average residential customer. Utah Gas sells natural gas in Daggett, Uintah, Grand and San Juan counties. Two weeks ago, the Public Service Commission tentatively approved the company's original $567,953 request, subject to possible refund. But at the final hearing on the matter this week, the company amended its application downward. Company attorney Thomas M. Zarr said Utah Gas Service decided to reevaluate re-evaluate the $8,323 portion of the request, because it deals with costs indirectly related to an antitrust suit filed against the company. The PSC gave final approval to the reduced increase. Zarr said refunds won't Ix; necessary because, although the company was authorized earlier to put the larger increase into effect immediately, bills reflecting the larger amount have not actually teen sent out.