ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION
1200 W. WASHINGTON
PHOENIX, AZ. 85007

Southwest Gas customers in southern Arizona will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed settlement of the Southwest Gas rate case. The public comment meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 1997, in the Commission hearing room, second floor, 400 W. Congress, Tucson. Any customer is welcome to speak on the subject of Southwest Gas Company rates, or on the quality of service provided by the company.

The Commission staff negotiated a settlement with Southwest Gas that reduces the company rate request to a $32 million (10.25%) overall increase in revenue, to become effective September 1, 1997. The company had initially asked for $49 million in additional revenue in the filing made November 7, 1996.

Here's a rate comparison, based on average monthly consumption:

Southern Division

Present Bill

Company Proposal

Proposed Settlement

35 therms per month

$26.98

$32.40

$30.09

Central Division 

33 therms per month

$25.63

$31.07

$28.83

Commissioners will hold a public comment meeting, hearing, and open meeting on the rate settlement at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 1997, in the Commission hearing room, 1200 W. Washington, Phoenix. If they choose, Commissioners may vote on the rate settlement at that time.