RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Washington Gas customers in Virginia will get refunds after state regulators approved a rate hike lower than the company had requested.
The State Corporation Commission said Wednesday that it has approved a $20.5 million increase in a charge for the company's cost to operate the gas distribution system. Washington Gas had requested a $28.5 million rate hike.
Customers have been paying the higher rate on an interim basis since Oct. 1, 2011. The final rate will reduce the typical residential customer's heating bill by about $1.20 a month.
The commission says customers will receive refunds, with interest, for the difference paid during the interim period.
Washington Gas has about 495,000 customers in Virginia.
