Atmos Energy's Kentucky Division has announces a rate change to customers' bills that became effective Aug. 1.

The Public Service Commission approved a $5.5 million increase, which means an additional $1.85 a month for residential customers from $7.50 to $9.35.

The customer charge covers those costs of providing service that are independent of the amount of gas a customer uses. The settlement leaves the volume-based delivery charge unchanged..

The monthly gas bill for an average Atmos residential customer by less than 3 percent.

In Kentucky, Atmos Energy serves 38 counties, including Logan, and approximately 173,000 homes and businesses.

Gary Smith, VP of Regulatory Affairs, stated, “We are proud to have avoided any changes in our distribution charges since 1999, but an adjustment was necessary to restore and sustain an adequate return.”

“At Atmos Energy, we are committed to provide, reliable and efficient natural gas service to our customers. Atmos Energy will continue to be one of the states lowest cost providers of natural gas,” said Kevin Akers, president of the Atmos Energy Kentucky Division,

Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, is the country's largest natural gas-only distributor, serving about 3.2 million gas utility customers. Atmos Energy's utility operations serve more than 1,500 communities in 12 states.