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In the Matter of the Petition of New Jersey Natural
Gas Company BPU Docket No. GR05060488 PUBLIC HEARING
In accordance with the normal procedure, the Board, on August 19, 2005, issued an Order allowing the Company to increase its BGSS rate by 5.4 cents per therm, from 89.2 cents to 94.6 cents per therm. The impact of this increase on an average monthly bill for a typical residential heating customer using an average of 100 therms per month was an increase of about $5.40, or 4.2 percent, effective September 1, 2005.
The Emergent Motion states that the requested 23.2 percent rate increase
is needed in order for the Company to recover dramatic increases in the
cost of natural gas the Company purchases to serve its BGSS customers.
The Company is not permitted to make a profit on its BGSS charges. BGSS
rates are set to pass through to customers the cost of natural gas purchased
by the Company. The Ratepayer Advocate is fully aware of the volatility
in natural gas prices that is having a profound impact on all classes
of ratepayers. However, this office will continue its comprehensive review
prior to a final determination and order by the Administrative Law Judge
and the Board of Public Utilities regarding the Company’s final
BGSS rate. Our office is conducting a complete investigation of the Company’s
request based upon the information that is being supplied and updated
by the Company. We have retained the services of an expert consultant
to assist us in our review. The Ratepayer Advocate’s inquiry is
focused on the critical issues of whether the Company’s proposal
allows ratepayers to pay the lowest rates possible consistent with receiving
safe, reliable and proper service. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities,
with legal submissions from the parties, including the Ratepayer Advocate,
will make the final decision regarding the utility’s requests for
an adjustment to its BGSS charge. The purpose of this hearing is for you, the customer, to voice your opinion,
relate your experiences and offer comments about your Company’s
rates and service. It is important that you express your views so they
may become part of the record on which the Administrative Law Judge and
the Board of Public Utilities make their decisions. The Ratepayer Advocate
also needs to hear your views. Your active participation is strongly encouraged
to help in our evaluation of the Company’s proposals and our preparations
for the evidentiary hearings. This hearing is being transcribed and your comments will become part
of the record. I would like to reiterate the importance of your participation
so that the Ratepayer Advocate can have a clear record of your concerns
and interests. |
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