Arkansas Officials Approve New Price Hike for Summit Utilities Customers
Recent developments in Arkansas have seen a significant shift in the way Summit Utilities customers will be billed for their services. The Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) recently approved a 23.4% increase in rates for Summit Utilities[1][3][4]. This decision is set to take effect from December 2024, with some additional increases anticipated in the spring of 2025.
The proposed rate hike will see an average customer facing a monthly increase of about .23, based on average annual usage. This change reflects a profound impact on household budgets, particularly during the winter months when gas usage is typically at its highest[1][2].
- Approved Rate Hike: The APSC has approved a 23.4% rate increase for Summit Utilities.
- Average Monthly Increase: Customers can expect to pay around .23 more per month on average based on their usage.
- Winter Usage Impact: The increase is particularly significant during winter months when gas consumption is higher.
- Phased Rollout: The rate hike will come into effect in December 2024, followed by another increase in the spring of 2025.
The decision by the APSC to approve this rate increase came after thorough deliberations and discussions. While it aims to offset operational costs and ensure the continued delivery of essential services, it also raises concerns about the affordability of utilities for many households[2][4].
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has been actively involved in addressing the concerns of consumers regarding this rate hike. His office continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure that consumers are protected[2].