Centra Gas looking for rate increase

Centra Gas is looking for a rate hike for the first time since 2018. 

Centra Gas Inc. filed a general rate application with the Public Utilities Board of Manitoba  on Oct. 7, according to a news release from Manitoba Hydro. 

Centra Gas is looking for an average natural gas general revenue increase of 4.5 per cent on an interim basis starting Nov. 1, the release said. 

The release said the proposed Nov. 1 rates would result in an average increase of about 3.9 per cent or $2 a month. 

The increase is needed to ensure revenues can cover the costs of running the natural gas system and maintenance, the release said. 

The utility's application is also asking for the PUB approval to adjust rates that include costs to transport natural gas to Manitoba and to store gas in the summer months for use in the winter, according to the release. 

The general rate application doesn't include gas commodity rates which are adjusted quarterly by the PUB in a separate process, the release said.