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The Michigan Public Service Commission on Friday approved a $19.9 million rate increase for SEMCO Energy Gas Company.
The average SEMCO customer (using 100 ccf per month) will see an increase of 9.2%, or about $6.10, on their monthly bill.
The increase was about half of the $38 million the company had requested. It’s the first increase for SEMCO since 2011, and the company has agreed not to make another request until 2023.
SEMCO has also agreed to add a residential income assistance program for low-income customers. Around 10,500 customers would receive a monthly credit of $12.25. Another 2,000 customers who receive a monthly credit of $30.
The money will be used to replace aging gas mains, and establish an infrastructure reliability program.
SEMCO provides natural gas service to around 300,000 customers in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, and the Upper Peninsula.
