Summit says customers should see gas bills decrease

Summit Utilities says customers will now see a reduction in the cost of gas rate, which began on April 1.

The reduction comes after Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced in March that his office had asked the Arkansas Public Service Commission to investigate the company’s purchasing and billing practices and potential violations of commission rules. Griffin said his office had received over 2,800 complaints concerning Summit’s billing and pricing in January.

In a release, the new cost of gas rate for residential customers is $0.6954 per ccf, down from $1.22 per ccf — a 43% decrease from the winter rate and a 26.7% decrease from the 2022 summer rate.

The Arkansas Public Service Commission requires Summit to adjust its cost of gas Nov. 1 and April 1 of each year.

“We know that high energy costs have created challenges for many of our customers, and we are glad to share financial relief through a reduced cost of gas,” said Fred Kirkwood, chief customer experience officer for Summit, said in the release. “We encourage customers who face challenges paying their bills to call our customer service department. We’ve hired an additional fifty representatives since November, and our call wait times are below two minutes. Our agents stand ready to set up payment arrangements if customers need them or share information about payment assistance agencies for those that qualify for additional support.”

Those looking for assistance can visit SummitCares.com or call customer service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday at (800) 992-7552.