DPUC Denies CNG Rate Hike

Connecticut Natural Gas's request for a rate hike has been denied by the Department of Public Utility Control.   The company originally asked for a $16.4 million increase in revenues -- or about 4.4 %. Then, in the course of the hearings, the company dropped the increase request to 1.9 % in the course of the hearings, because of a drop in the cost of gas. Instead of an increase,   the DPUC approved a drop of more than 4.2 % from present revenues.
    In the words of DPUC Commissioner Donald Downes, "I am pleased, in these times of strained budgets, that CNG;s ratepayers are spared an increase in their cost for this essential service.
   The exact effect of the decision on rate-payers won't be known until next month, then it will take effect July 31.