Piedmont gas not granted rate structure change

"Decoupling" proposal deemed unsound by TRA directors By Anne Paine • The Tennessean • January 25, 2010 The Tennessee Regulatory Authority today denied a request by Piedmont Natural Gas to allow rate increases to make up for lost profits when residential customers use less gas. Directors voted 3-0 against allowing Piedmont's proposal for what is called "decoupling," saying that it was unfair to residential gas customers. The utility, formerly known as Nashville Gas, said its intentions were to put money into programs that would encourage conservation of natural gas resources.