LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 3, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Aquila, Inc. (NYSE:ILA) filed an application with the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) requesting a pilot project for new pricing option for natural gas customers in Nebraska. The application could result in residential customers having the option to choose a fixed price, in addition to the current traditional method, for their natural gas bills.
"We believe our customers want to make decisions about pricing options for natural gas," said Steve Pella, Nebraska vice president of operations at Aquila. "Our Lincoln service area has a similar Fixed Price Option Program for customers and this application responds to customer requests to take the Lincoln program statewide."
The traditional method of billing gas results in month-to-month price fluctuations in the billing rate, depending upon the cost to secure the necessary natural gas supply.
Aquila will not profit from the program, according to Pella. PSC approval is required prior to the company implementing any changes in pricing options.
The proposed Fixed Price Option Program will be open to residential customers in all 110 communities served by Aquila and replace the current Lincoln program. If approved as proposed, the program would be in effect for one year, including the 2006-2007 heating season.
"Our goal is to continue to provide safe, reliable, cost-effective service," Pella added. "Giving customers pricing options shows our commitment to responding to customer requests and needs."
Aquila provides natural gas service to 190,000 customers in Nebraska. The company's state gas headquarters is in Lincoln.
The Aquila, Inc. company logo can be found at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1753.