UNS gas bills to drop, says AZ Corp. Commission

One cost on your UNS gas bill – the purchased gas adjustor (PGA) – will go down by eight cents per therm, according to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

On Oct. 20, the ACC approved a credit for customers of UNS Gas, which serves Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo, Santa Cruz and Yavapai counties, and Semstream Propane in the Payson area.

The economic slowdown has pushed down the cost of fuel, including natural gas, said Commissioner Gary Pierce.

Rebecca Wilder, public information officer for the ACC, said, “Gas utilities are not allowed to make a profit on the cost of the natural gas they provide, but they are permitted to recover the cost of that gas.”

The surcredit of $0.08 per therm for UNS Gas customers will begin Nov. 1, 2009, and last until October 2010, Wilder said. This would reduce the average winter bill by $5.85 per month and take about $1.28 off per month during the summer.

Tough economy

“In this tough economy, it’s important for utility companies to rebate monies back to their customers immediately, when it’s due to them,” ACC Chairman Kris Mayes said. “The credits will help make natural gas and propane more affordable this winter.”