Gas rates changing

HONOLULU — Hawaii Gas requested rate adjustments Tuesday from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Any changes are not expected to go into effect until mid-2018.

The government-franchised company is seeking an average statewide increase of about 15 percent. If approved, Oahu, Maui and Molokai residents will see higher rates. Kauai and Hawaii Island residents will not see any impact, but Lanai customers will see a slight decrease.

“Regular investments in operational infrastructure are essential to ensuring the safety and reliability of the gas products we manufacture and deliver,” said Alicia Moy, president and CEO of Hawaii Gas.

Non-utility tank and bottled gas customers will not be affected. The requested increase is not related to changes in the cost of fuel.

“We are working to reduce our dependence on imported oil by pursuing local renewable natural gas projects. We have worked hard over the past decade to manage costs, and we have been able to keep our request for a rate increase to a modest level,” added Moy.

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The Garden Island