Virginia Natural Gas pushing to make for permanent rate hikes

VIRGINIA (WWBT) — Virginia Natural Gas is proposing to make temporary rate hikes, which began in January 2025, permanent.

However, customers are not too thrilled with the idea. Jeff Fazio tells 12 On Your Side he’s feeling the burden of the temporary hike.

“The way the economy is and everything, I just think it’s the wrong time,” Fazio said. “To do it during this time when the country is suffering and everything, it just doesn’t make sense.”

A spokesperson for the gas company says the proposed change will help fund the already approved plan to enhance the reliability of the commonwealth’s natural gas delivery system.

The project will help accelerate the replacement of pipelines.

If the State Corporation Commission approves the permanent rate hike, it would bring the gas company $40 million in non-gas revenue, costing the average resident about $8 more a month.

Virginia Natural Gas is taking the proposal before the SCC next month. If approved, customers shouldn’t see much of a change unless the SCC decides the temporary rate is too high. If that’s the case, customers can expect a refund later this year.

VNG sent 12 On Your Side this statement on Friday:

“Virginia Natural Gas is committed to being transparent with our customers. For 175 years, our focus is on making sure customers have access to safe and reliable natural gas today and in the future. These investments are about meeting that responsibility.”

The gas company will submit its proposal to the SCC by Sept. 30.

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