CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 20 people spoke during a public hearing Monday against the proposed Hope Gas increase that would raise about $80 million for the company if approved by the Public Service Commission.

Attorneys representing the parties involved heard about two and a half hours of testimony against the increase in addition to the 875 written statements received in opposition to the increase.

The proposed increase would be an estimated 25% increase for current residential customers and a 35% increase for former Peoples Gas customers. The increase for Hope Gas residential customers would be about $21 monthly, while the increase for Peoples Gas customers would be about $27.

Pennsboro Mayor Robert Riggs testified that most of his residents are elderly and on fixed incomes. First,

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