Great Plains Natural Gas (GPNG) Co. is a regulated utility under the jurisdiction of regulatory commissions in the states it serves. The rates customers pay are approved by each state’s regulatory commission. When the costs of providing safe and reliable natural gas service exceed what customers are paying in rates, GPNG files a rate increase request with the applicable state regulatory commission.
Requested increases are the result of additional costs necessary to maintain a safe and reliable system; upgrade aging infrastructure and technology; meet growing demand; and compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements, such as environmental mandates.
The company does not have authority to change rates without approval by a state regulatory commission. Click on your state below to review information about recently approved or pending rate case filings.
Montana-Dakota Utilities files natural gas price increase request
Montana-Dakota Utilities on Nov. 1, 2023, filed with the North Dakota Public Service Commission a natural gas price increase request of approximately $11.6 million in annual revenues. If approved, it would increase residential customers’ monthly bill by an average of about $5.90 per month.
Investments in system upgrades and pipeline replacement projects enhancing the reliability, safety and integrity of the natural gas system, as well as increased costs to operate and maintain that system, are the main reasons for the increase request.
Montana-Dakota also is seeking to combine natural gas operations within North Dakota, which means transitioning the 2,346 customers in Wahpeton and surrounding area from Great Plains Natural Gas to Montana-Dakota Utilities for regulatory reporting purposes. (Great Plains Natural Gas is a division of Montana-Dakota Utilities). Upon implementation of final rates in this case, Great Plains customers will be served under its own Montana-Dakota’s tariff, but will continue to receive a Great Plains bill for six months. After the six-month period, customers will begin receiving their natural gas bills under a Montana-Dakota invoice.
As part of this increase request, the impact for an average Great Plains residential customer using 80 dekatherms per year is about $5.15 per month -- $62 annually.
Montana-Dakota also filed a request with the PSC for an interim price increase of $10.1 million over current revenues, which, if approved, would be implemented while the PSC reviews the overall request. Interim rates allow the company to collect new revenues while the overall request is pending before the commission; revenues collected are subject to refund if the PSC approves a lower amount than the interim rate. The impact for residential customers would be:
Montana-Dakota encourages customers to use energy wisely. Conservation tips, information on energy assistance and information on the company’s balanced billing program can be found on this website.
Exhibit No.___(LEK-3)_MDU Gas Plant Report
Exhibit No.___(LEK-4)_MDU Common Plant Report
Vol. I Letter_Application_Appendices_Direct Testimonies
