Understanding Natural Gas Rates

At Summit Natural Gas, we understand just how important it is to give our valued customers, the best possible prices. That is why we ensure our prices are stable, giving the families and communities we serve, the peace of mind they need. Unlike oil and propane, which are very likely to have varying prices, our prices are pre-approved by state regulators.


What this means to you…

  • The Maine Public Utilities Commission regulates our distribution rates, that is, the cost to transport and distribute natural gas to your home.
  • The cost of usage is passed on to our customers without any additional markup – so you only pay for what you actually use.
  • Summit’s rates include a monthly customer charge, which is also regulated by the Maine Public Utilities Commission, as well as a distribution rate, and the ACTUAL cost of gas usage.
  • No buying in advance, no surprise pricing – just stable prices and quality service you can count on.

Approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission

The following Standard Distribution Rates apply to the municipalities of Richmond, Gardiner, Farmingdale, Hallowell, Augusta, Sidney, Belgrade, Oakland, Fairfield, Waterville, Skowhegan, Norridgewock, Madison, China, Albion, Windsor, Winslow, Randolph, Cumberland, Falmouth and Yarmouth. If Summit receives requests for service, or otherwise intends to provide service, outside of these municipalities, Summit may: (1) file a proposal with the MPUC for rates that would apply to that service or (2) provide service pursuant to the rates and terms below. SNG Maine has no obligation to provide service pursuant to the rates and terms of its Rate Plan to any customer outside of the municipalities listed in this paragraph. These rates are subject to annual adjustment, in accordance with the company’s MPUC-approved Rate Plan.

Summit’s current Standard Distribution Rates are as follows:

RATE CLASS DISTRIBUTION RATES COMMODITY RATES (CGA) UNITS MONTHLY CHARGE
Residential $1.147 $0.6240 Therms $25.52
Small Commercial (consumption less than 1500 Dth) $1.012 $0.6240 Therms $42.09
Intermediate Commercial Gas Service (consumption of 1500 Dth or more) $0.745 $0.6240 Therms $363.62
Large Commercial (meters rated 23,000 cubic feet per hour) $0.745 Refer to Tariff Therms $363.62
Firm Transportation Rate to be determined by Special Rate Agreement
Interruptible Transportation Rate to be determined by Special Rate Agreement


Rate Cases

As a regulated utility, all our rates are set by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (Commission) through a formal and comprehensive review and approval process.

Every day we provide safe and reliable natural gas to thousands of Mainers for home heating, hot water, cooking and more. To do that, we must maintain and invest in more than 300 miles of pipeline while continuing to provide the quality customer service you’ve come to expect from your local natural gas utility company.

A rate case is a transparent process with the Commission that includes ample opportunity for public input and participation along the way. Through the proceeding, the Commission reviews our operations, financial statements, forecasts and additional information to ultimately determine how much it costs us to serve our customers and how much we need to charge customers to cover these costs.