By PHILLIP RAWLS
Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The state's utility regulatory board could decide next month whether to make any changes in the rate plan for Alabama Gas.
The Public Service Commission held the last of three public hearings today on the state's largest natural gas distributor. PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh says the commission could consider any changes Nov. 5.
The PSC's rate plan currently provides Alabama Gas with a return on equity of 13.15 percent to 13.65 percent. The commission used to provide a similar range for Mobile Gas, but the commission voted in July to lower the range to 10.45 percent to 10.95 percent.
AARP has used the hearings to recommend a reduction for Alabama Gas.
Alabama Gas serves 425,000 customers in 30 counties, mostly from Montgomery County northward.