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Piedmont Natural Gas seeks first rate increase since 2013

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Piedmont Natural Gas is seeking a rate hike that would shake out to about a $6 per month increase for typical residential customers.

Right now, the average annual residential bill for Piedmont is $724. If the rate increase is approved as is, that number would bump up to $778.

The state is seeking public feedback on the rate hike request, with a public hearing at the government center on June 10. The North Carolina Utilities Commission will then have the final say – expected by the fall.

If the rate increase is approved, the hike would go into effect by the end of the year.

The last rate increase for Piedmont Natural Gas was approved in 2013. The commission approved a rate bump of less than half of what PNG requested earlier that year.