Mason County Residents Hit with Higher Natural Gas Costs

Residents of eastern Mason County are facing higher natural gas prices due to harsh winter weather. The Western Lewis-Rectorville Water and Gas District has seen a near doubling of natural gas costs for customers between January and February meter readings.

The increase is attributed to a rise in the wholesale cost of natural gas from Atmos Energy of Texas, which the district must pass on to its customers. General Manager Chad Clark explained that this is not a rate increase, but an emergency gas cost adjustment.

Clark said that the next billing period, from Feb. 20 to March 20, will reflect a lower gas cost of approximately 46 cents per 1,000 cubic feet. Customers who are struggling to pay their bills can also request payment plans.

The district applied for and received approval for an interim gas cost adjustment from the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC). Director of Communications Andrew Melnykovych explained that this is a pass-through of the price charged by the wholesaler, which allows the district to recoup excess costs without retaining them as revenue.