Rep. Jon Eubanks, R-Paris, expressed his concerns at an Oct. 28 committee meeting that Arkansas poultry growers are being excluded from the discussion on Summit Utilities’ proposed 23.4% natural gas rate increase, which would impact approximately 525,000 customers across Arkansas.
Eubanks noted that poultry growers, who depend heavily on natural gas during colder months, faced substantial bill increases last winter.
Summit Utilities initially proposed a 30% rate hike, which would have raised an average household’s bill by about $15.43 monthly; however, a recent settlement amended this to a 23.4% increase. Sen. Linda Chesterfield, D-Little Rock, along with other lawmakers, voiced concerns over the financial burden on residents, particularly during a time when Arkansans are already struggling with increased costs in other utilities and necessities.
The Arkansas Public Service Commission PSC was directed to investigate concerns about the $2.1 billion sale of CenterPoint Energy to Summit Utilities, including allegations that $300 million in maintenance had been deferred by the previous provider and whether federal mandates contributed to the need for the increase. Lawmakers emphasized that Arkansans could face significantly higher bills during winter due to increased gas usage, just as the rate increase would take effect.
PSC Chairman Doyle Webb, appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, indicated that the commission aims to address the issue before the Nov. 22 deadline. If no decision is made, the original 30% rate increase would automatically go into effect.