Questar asks for rate reduction

SALT LAKE CITY — Here's something to make you feel a little warmer this winter, Questar Gas Tuesday asked the Utah Public Service Commission to cut natural gas rates by $3.4 million. If approved, the rate decrease would lower the typical homeowner's annual bill by about $2.28 beginning Jan. 1.

"The cost of buying natural gas for our customers has remained stable in recent months, so we're passing the savings on to our customers," said Craig Wagstaff, vice president and general manager of Questar Gas.

At least twice a year, Questar Gas and the PSC use third-party forecasts of natural gas prices to estimate how much the utility's rates should be adjusted to cover anticipated costs of buying natural gas for its customers.

"Our rates are consistently among the lowest in the U.S.," Wagstaff said. "This latest cut — combined with continued investment in our popular conservation programs — should help keep our rates among the lowest in the long run."

He cautioned customers, however, that natural gas prices can fluctuate with changes in supply and demand.

— Jasen Lee