Local News
(2001-01-04)
CLEVELAND, OHIO
(WCPN) -
The soaring cost of natural gas has made it an expensive year for home heating. Two Northeast Ohio gas suppliers, Columbia Gas, and Dominion East Ohio Gas, are talking about raising their rates. Today, Dominion?s cost-hike deliberations are expected to continue. But while Columbia and Dominion consider what to do about rising gas costs, some say high gas bills should come as no surprise. Both suppliers say the increases are necessary to recoup the high price of natural gas they pay producers. In many parts of the state, natural gas prices have quadrupled since last year, due largely to an industry shortfall. But Kevin Snape of the Cleveland Clean Air Conservancy says suppliers and regulators knew the shortage was coming. Snape says it will probably take two years before new production of natural gas can accommodate the growing demand, so don't expect any significant drop in rates next year either.
