PUB approves natural gas price hike

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This article was published 24/10/2022 (793 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Natural gas prices in Manitoba are set to rise next month, with the average customer expected to pay $100 more annually.

The Public Utilities Board approved an application by Centra Gas for a rate increase, effective Nov. 1. According to the independent regulator, a typical residential gas customer will see their bills increase by 11.5 per cent.

The new fuel price is attributed to an increase in North American natural gas market prices. Centra Gas (a subsidiary of Manitoba Hydro) charges customers on a cost-recovery basis, meaning it does not make a profit on the sale, according to the PUB.

Rates will be reviewed again Feb. 1.

Customers who have fixed-term, fixed-price contracts, with either Centra Gas or a private broker, are not affected, the PUB said.

Meanwhile, the regulator approved changes to the price of propane provided by Stittco Utilities. Customers connected to the utility’s pipeline distribution system will see commodity rates decrease effective Nov. 1. However, the PUB also approved an increase to delivery rates.

The combined changes will result in an overall decrease of approximately $72 per year, or 3.9 per cent, when compared to current propane rates approved Aug. 1, according to the PUB.