Kentucky Public Service Commission Denies Intervention in Delta Natural Gas Rate Case

Strategic Insights -

The Kentucky Public Service Commission has issued an order denying the motion to intervene filed by David Smith, a residential and commercial customer of Delta Natural Gas Company, Inc. (Delta). Smith had filed the motion on December 9, 2024, claiming that the rates charged by Delta are unconscionable and that the service has decreased since the company's sale to Peoples an Essential Utilities Company.

The Commission, after reviewing the pleadings, found that Smith failed to demonstrate a special interest in the proceeding that is not otherwise adequately represented. The Commission cited prior orders that had denied intervention to other customers on similar grounds, stating that the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Office of Rate Intervention, has the statutory right to intervene in Commission cases to represent and be heard on behalf of consumers' interests.

The Commission noted that Smith did not present any facts, experience, or expertise that would allow him to assist the Commission in the proceeding. Additionally, Smith failed to comply with the regulation related to providing an email address in his filing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kentucky Public Service Commission has denied David Smith's motion to intervene in the rate case involving Delta Natural Gas Company, Inc.
  • Smith had argued that the rates charged by Delta are unconscionable and that the service has decreased since the company's sale to Peoples an Essential Utilities Company.
  • The Commission cited prior orders that had denied intervention to other customers on similar grounds, stating that the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky has the statutory right to intervene in Commission cases to represent and be heard on behalf of consumers' interests.
  • Smith was found to have failed to demonstrate a special interest in the proceeding that is not otherwise adequately represented.
  • The Commission noted that Smith did not present any facts, experience, or expertise that would allow him to assist the Commission in the proceeding
  • Smith was not granted intervenor status but will have the opportunity to participate in the proceeding as a member of the public and ratepayer of Delta.

Statistics:

  • The motion to intervene was filed by David Smith on December 9, 2024.
  • The Commission issued the order denying Smith's motion to intervene on January 8, 2025.
  • The case number is 2024-00346.
  • The public service commission was notified of the filing of customer s motion to intervene on December 11th 2024

Sources:

  • Commonwealth of Kentucky Before the Public Service Commission, In the Matter of: Electronic Application of Delta Natural Gas Company, Inc. For An Adjustment of Gas Rates Case No. 2024-00346.
  • Order (Ky. PSC Jan. 8, 2025).