OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – After being hit with several rate increases that have raised bills across the state, Oklahoma Natural Gas says it is seeking another hike.

ONG is seeking a rate hike that would add $2.57 to residential customers’ monthly bills. That could be offset with a one-time credit next year making the increase $1.55.

Officials say ONG is hoping to raise base rates by $27,635,039.

“The requested increase is necessary to recover increased business costs and natural gas infrastructure investments. Oklahoma Natural Gas invested approximately $243 million since its last base rate increase, a PBRC review with a test year ending December 31, 2021,” a notice to customers read.

The company says it is also asking for approval for the “energy efficiency true-up and utility incentive adjustments” for 2022.

Officials say there is also a one-time annual credit that may lower customers’ bills slightly, beginning in February of 2024.

Public comment on the possible rate hike will be heard by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Administrative Law Judge at 9:30 a.m. on June 15.

The case will be held in the Concourse Theater, Suite C50, located in the underground tunnel of the Will Rogers Building, 2401 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.

If you cannot attend, you can also send written comments by mail to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, PO Box 52000, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.

You can also email PUDenergy@occ.ok.gov with “Attention: Public Comment PUD2023-000012” in the subject line.

The Performance Based Rate (PBR) filing is an annual process where Oklahoma Natural Gas identifies the investments made in infrastructure and operating expenses that ensure continued safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to our customers. Investments in 2022 were primarily for replacing aging pipeline infrastructure, responding to new customer requests, securing and placing natural gas in storage to help minimize price spikes for our customers and increased operating expenses and taxes, due to inflation.

We filed this year’s PBR on March 1 for consideration by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. This year, if approved, customers will see a small increase. For an average residential customer, the monthly service charge impact will be an increase of $1.55, or approximately 2.4%.

For an average low-income (LIHEAP) residential customer, the monthly impact will be $0.38, or approximately a 1% increase.

This change is anticipated to go into effect no earlier than June 29, pending approval by the OCC.

We understand that higher prices for everything, from the grocery store to everyday items, come at a difficult time for our customers. That’s why we’re here to help any customer who needs assistance. We have payment plans and a resource page on our website at www.oklahomanaturalgas.com/Cares where customers can find financial assistance agencies. Customers can also take advantage of energy efficiency rebates by visiting www.oklahomanaturalgas.com/save-money.

ONG Statement to KFOR

The chairman and president of OG&E company has indicated the company *might* ask for a rate increase later this year.  The company says the increase would be used to invest in its infrastructure