Virginia Natural Gas Files Rate Request
August 1, 2024
Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) has filed a rate request with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (VSCC) seeking to recover investments made to modernize and improve our gas infrastructure to ensure the delivery of clean, safe and reliable natural gas to more than 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia.
We understand the effects the current state of the economy has on the community and realize the impact any rate increase can have on our customers and therefore do not make this request lightly. These investments are being made for the long-term benefit of our customers and are part of our obligation to provide the safe and reliable service they expect and deserve.
Key drivers in the request include:
- Investments in our pipeline infrastructure to ensure long-term safety, reliability and resiliency of our system.
- Investments in our technology assets to modernize our data systems, positioning ourselves to better capture data and improve our overall operations.
- Investments to improve the safety, performance and reliability of our pipeline locating efforts including the transition to a new locate contractor and additional VNG positions to provide in-house locating.
- Laying the groundwork to prepare for the transition onto an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system for enhanced meter reading data on natural gas usage.
- Further development and implementation of our environmental justice and community engagement efforts through additional employee resources.
Ensuring the safety of every family and business we serve is our highest priority. Virginia Natural Gas is seeking recovery of capital expenditures that include the modernization of pipelines and services, asset protection initiatives and improved record management.
The filing seeks approximately $63 million for the recovery of capital expenditures since the company’s last rate request. With the adjustment, an average residential customer will see an increase of approximately $12/month – depending on their gas usage – beginning January 1, 2025. These are interim rates and subject to refund, with interest, based on the final ruling of the VSCC in fall 2025.
A copy of the filing with the Virginia State Corporation Commission can be found here.
