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Waco Challenges Atmos Energy Rate Hike

flickr.com//thomashawk

The City of Waco is one of more than 130 Texas cities that are filing a lawsuit against a recent rate increase by natural gas provider Atmos Energy.

The rate increase went into effect June 1st and would be a little over 2 dollars for the average Atmos customer in Waco. 

The City of Waco is one of more than 130 Texas cities that are filing a lawsuit against a recent rate increase by natural gas provider Atmos Energy.

Waco City Attorney Jennifer Richie says the City didn’t feel Atmos’ proposed $45.7 million rate increase this year was justifiable. The city council passed a resolution on May 20th denying that increase.

"The Atmos Steering Committee hired, when Atmos filed its proposal for a rate increase, City of Waco hired a consultant and they could only justify an increase of $19 million," Richie said.

Atmos Director of Media Relations Jennifer Altieri said in a statement via email:

“Last year, Atmos Energy invested approximately $260 million throughout our Mid-Tex Division and more than $1 billion over the last 5 years to provide safe and reliable natural gas service to our customers. In addition to our own commitment to safety, Atmos Energy faces increased federal and state regulations emphasizing such upgrades. This activity is the chief driver for the need to adjust rates.”

Atmos has appealed Waco’s denial to the Texas Railroad Commission. Richie says if the Railroad Commission denies Atmos’ appeal, customers would be refunded. 

Jill Ament is a reporter at KWBU. She hails from right here in Central Texas, growing up down the road in Gatesville. She graduated from Texas State University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication in May of 2012.