The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is inviting community members and Yampa Valley natural gas customers of Atmos Energy to comment on a gas-rate increase proposal during two virtual public comment hearings on April 2 or via email.

Atmos Energy filed a rate case with the state PUC in November seeking an increase in base rates for natural gas service to recover costs associated with system operations and infrastructure investment. Atmos also seeks commission approval to implement a new bill charge to capture the effects of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and potential changes to state and federal tax laws, according to a PUC media release.

Atmos Energy delivers natural gas to 65 Colorado communities including Steamboat Springs and Craig. The company is requesting a net increase in annual gas base-rate revenues of approximately $17.56 million, representing a 13.8% increase, according to a PUC media release.

If approved as filed, average residential customer monthly bill increases will vary depending on customer location. The commission is conducting a formal review to determine if the proposed rates are “just and reasonable,” according to the release.

There are two April 2 hearings. The first one is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. and run at least through 12:15 p.m. The second hearing is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and run at least through 5:15 p.m. Interested individuals must register in advance online at PUC.colorado.gov/gas-rate-cases to provide comment virtually. Citizens can email written comments via dora_puc_comments@state.co.us.

ASL or Spanish interpretation services can be requested by contacting Megan Castle at megan.castle@state.co.us by March 24.