Piedmont Natural Gas Reaches Agreement to Help Manage Customer Costs

Piedmont Natural Gas (PNG) has reached a comprehensive agreement with key consumer and industrial groups in South Carolina to keep costs as low as possible while continuing to invest in the infrastructure needed to support the Upstate's homes and businesses.

The agreement is the result of customer and stakeholder feedback, PNG officials said.

The agreement is subject to the review and approval of the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, the state agency that oversees rates and services for utilities such as Piedmont. If approved, the agreement would allow Piedmont to recover recent utility infrastructure investments in its South Carolina natural gas system to support ongoing safe, reliable natural gas service across the Upstate.

The comprehensive agreement contains measures to moderate the impact on customers' bills, including significant reductions in pass-through natural gas costs and a commitment by Piedmont to contribute $220,000 over four years in South Carolina to its Share the Warmth energy assistance program, which helps low-income individuals and families pay their monthly energy bills.

About 170,000 customers in Anderson, Spartanburg, Greenville and Cherokee counties rely on Piedmont for natural gas service, and more than 90 percent are residential customers.

"We recognize the cost pressures many customers are facing, and we appreciate the thoughtful engagement and collaboration with the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs and the South Carolina Energy Users Committee in reaching this agreement," said Emily Henson, president of Piedmont Natural Gas. "This agreement helps us continue providing safe, reliable natural gas service while also making essential system investments and supporting South Carolina's continued growth."

The Public Service Commission of South Carolina will consider the agreement and make the final decision. If approved, the new rates will likely take effect in October.