Questar proposal would reduce bills

Questar Gas Co. on Tuesday asked the Public Service Commission of Utah to reduce natural gas rates by $6.7 million. If approved, the rate cut will lower the typical homeowner's annual bill by about $3.50 beginning Oct. 1.

This latest cut follows reductions of $63 million in November 2008 and $157 million in March 2009, and a $50 million rebate in May.

"Our customers are now paying about 20 percent less to heat their homes than a year ago," Ron Jibson, president and chief executive officer of Questar Gas, said in a news release.

Jibson also reminded Questar Gas customers that funds may be available to help income-eligible customers pay their natural gas bills. Applications for federal funds can be obtained by calling about the Home Energy Assistance Target Program, or HEAT.

In addition, customers can apply for assistance through the Residential Energy Assistance through Community Help, or REACH, program, which is funded by voluntary donations from Questar Gas customers, employees and shareholders. REACH applicants must first apply for HEAT, the release stated. The program runs year-round or until funds are exhausted.

For more information, visit Questargas.com or call toll-free at 800-323-5517.