FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 22, 2024) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced a proposed settlement agreement with Columbia Gas of Kentucky today to protect Kentuckians from a massive spike in utility rates. While the company initially asked for large increases to customer bills, General Coleman secured affordable rates and an agreement to lock them in for two years.
Under the terms of the settlement secured by General Coleman, Columbia Gas agreed to a single-digit rate increase, which will likely amount to less than $7 on a typical Kentuckians’ residential monthly bill. The company also agreed not to seek any additional rate increases for at least two years. In addition, General Coleman obtained agreement from Columbia Gas to contribute $171,500 for a Winter Care Assistance Program over three years, which will provide financial assistance to low-income Kentuckians so they can keep warm during the winter months.
“Our Office has a responsibility to promote affordable and reliable energy for Kentucky families and job creators. This settlement does both,” said Attorney General Coleman. “We have locked in affordable utility rates for two years, giving more than 138,000 Kentucky families and businesses a sense of financial security when they need it most. We also protected Kentucky’s competitive advantage – our low-cost energy – to continue attracting new investment and growth right here at home.”
The Attorney General and Columbia Gas filed the proposed settlement with the Public Service Commission. Columbia Gas of Kentucky, headquartered in Lexington, serves more than 138,000 Kentuckians across 30 counties.
Executive Director of the Attorney General’s Office of Rate Intervention John Horne and Assistant Attorney General Angela Goad handled the matter on behalf of the Commonwealth.