APPLICATION OF THE GAS COMPANY, LLC,
FOR APPROVAL TO INCREASE ITS GAS UTILITY RATES
AND OTHER MATTERS

DOCKET NO. 2008-0081

The PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION of the STATE OF HAWAII (“Commission”), pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §§ 269-16 and 269-12, HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that it will hold public hearings on the Application of THE GAS COMPANY, LLC (“TGC”), filed on August 4, 2008, for approval to increase its gas utility rates, establish new commercial rates on the island of Kauai, restructure certain of its rates and schedules, and other matters, including revising and updating certain of its tariff rules governing gas utility service in the State of Hawaii (“Application”).

The Commission will hold public hearings as follows:

October 22, 2008, 5:00 p.m.
Hilo High School Cafeteria
556 Waianuenue Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii

October 23, 2008, 5:00 p.m.
County of Hawaii
Liquor Control Room
75-5722 Hanama Place, #1107
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

October 27, 2008, 5:00 p.m.
Public Utilities Commission
465 South King Street
Kekuanaoa Building
Hearing Room, #B-3
Honolulu, Oahu

October 29, 2008, 5:00 p.m.
Lihue Neighborhood Center (Old Side)
3353 Eono Street
Lihue, Kauai

October 30, 2008, 5:00 p.m.
Maui Waena Intermediate School Cafeteria
795 Onehee Avenue
Kahului, Maui

November 5, 2008, 5:00 p.m.
Mitchell Pauole Center Conference Room
90 Ainoa Street
Kaunakakai, Molokai

November 6, 2008, 5:00 p.m.
Lanai High & Elementary School Cafeteria
555 Fraser Avenue
Lanai City, Lanai

TGC is a public utility that: (1) manufactures and provides synthetic natural gas to its customers through its Oahu Division; and (2) provides liquefied petroleum gas, i.e., propane, to its customers through its Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai Gas Divisions. TGC seeks the Commission’s approval of a general rate increase of $12,510,047 (8.46 percent) over revenues at present rates, based on an estimated total revenue requirement of $160,416,523 for the 2009 calendar test year (consolidated operations basis), and an overall rate of return of 8.81 percent. The requested increase in revenues by each island is as follows:

Island Proposed Revenue Increase Percentage

Oahu $11,680,433 8.54%
Hawaii $473,889 5.97%
Maui $277,996 10.58%
Kauai $48,236 9.02%
Molokai $22,948 38.39%
Lanai $6,545 50.63%

Note: The specific, proposed increases in gas utility rates for each island, by customer class, are set forth in the exhibits to TGC’s Application.

In support of its Application, TGC states that: (1) its requested increase in rates and other proposed changes are essential if it is to continue to meet consumers’ demands for gas, furnish the quality of services expected by its present and future consumers, offer just compensation to its employees, provide operations which are safe and compatible with all environmental requirements and considerations, yield an adequate return on TGC’s prudently incurred investments, and have the opportunity to attract new capital on reasonable terms when necessary or appropriate; and (2) without the requested rate relief, it will continue to experience a declining rate of return.
The Commission will investigate whether the proposed increases in TGC’s gas utility rates, and other matters set forth in the Application, are just and reasonable. The investigation will include an evidentiary hearing to be scheduled sometime after the conclusion of the public hearing; provided that the parties to the proceeding, at their option and upon the Commission’s approval, may waive the evidentiary hearing.
The total revenue requirement for the 2009 calendar test year will not exceed the $12,510,047 over revenues at present rates (consolidated operations basis) that TGC requests. However, the increases in rates and charges to be finally approved by the Commission, if any, may be higher or lower than the rates and charges proposed by TGC in its Application.
All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing or hearings to state their views orally, in writing, or both. Statements may be mailed to the Public Utilities Commission, 465 South King Street, Room 103, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813. Statements may also be sent by electronic mail to the Commission’s e-mail address at Hawaii.PUC@hawaii.gov. All written statements should reference Docket No. 2008-0081 and include the following information: (1) name of the person submitting the written statement; (2) organization the person submitting the written statement represents (if any); and (3) address of the person submitting the written statement.
Motions to Intervene or Participate in this proceeding shall comply with Subchapter 4, Rules of Practice and Procedure Before the Commission, Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 6, Chapter 61. A motion to intervene or participate in this proceeding shall be filed with the Commission by November 17, 2008.
Copies of TGC’s Application and supporting documents are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the following locations:

PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

465 South King Street, Room 103 Hawaii District Office
Honolulu, HI 96813 688 Kinoole Street, Room 106-A
Ph: (808) 586-2020 Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 974-4533

Kauai District Office Maui District Office
3060 Eiwa Street, Room 302-C State Office Building #1
Lihue, HI 96766 54 South High Street, Room 218
Ph: (808) 274-3232 Wailuku, HI 96793
Ph: (808) 984-8182

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
DIVISION OF CONSUMER ADVOCACY
335 Merchant Street, Room 326
Honolulu, HI 96813
Ph: (808) 586-2800

THE GAS COMPANY, LLC

Oahu: 515 Kamakee Street Hilo: 945 Kalanianaole Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96814 Hilo, HI 96720
or
745 Fort Street, 18th Floor Kona: 74-5564 Kaiwi Street
Honolulu, HI 96813 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Maui: 70 Hana Highway Kauai: 3990 Rice Street
Kahului, HI 96732 Lihue, HI 96766

Special accommodations for persons with disabilities can be made if requested reasonably in advance by contacting the Commission’s Honolulu Office.