PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO HOLD HEARING

The Maryland Public Service Commission has scheduled a public hearing on a rate increase request, filed by Columbia Gas of Maryland. The hearing will take place next Wednesday at 7 p.m., in the Allegany Room of the Fairfield Inn and Suites at Canal Place. The company has requested an $8.8 million rate increase, which would mean an average increase of $14.73 on the monthly bill of an average residential customer.