Southern Missouri Natural Gas increases rates

The Missouri Public Service Commission has authorized a general rate increase for Mountain Grove-based Southern Missouri Natural Gas, which is expected to increase annual nongas revenues by approximately $1.3 million, according to a news release.

The company provides natural gas to 13 communities and surrounding rural areas along U.S. Highway 60 and U.S. Highway 63, serving approximately 8,000 natural gas customers in Greene, Stone, Taney, Howell, Douglas, Wright, Texas, Laclede and Webster counties, according to the release.

The typical SMNG customer can expect to incur additional costs of approximately $54.50 a year, the release said.

The increase is scheduled to take effect Feb. 1.

The additional revenues will allow the company to pay operating and maintenance expenses as well as recoup costs associated with investments in new natural gas mains and service lines, such as the $50 million pipeline that enables service to Branson and Hollister.

The company's last general rate increase occurred in 2000.[[In-content Ad]]