Atmos Energy is asking Dallas officials to approve another gas rate increase for customers that would raise the company’s revenues by $18.3 million a year. The company says it already spent that money last year to replace pipelines and better detect leaks.
The Dallas-based utility, which operates in eight states, wants to hike gas rates by 9.4% — or $5.48 for the average resident — a month, according to a council memo. City staffers could still negotiate the rate before they recommend one to the council in May.
If the Dallas City Council rejects the hike, Atmos Energy would set the rate by June 1 and appeal the decision to the Railroad Commission of Texas, which ultimately sets the rate and has regulatory power over gas lines.
Read more from NBC 5's media partner The Dallas Morning News.
