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ALBANY, GA --
Water, Gas and Light discussed raising rates and penalty fees for users at their Thursday morning meeting.
 
Board members began discussion of an electric rate study; their first one conducted in eight years.

Businesses that are deemed less cost effective will see a 5% increase in their rate. Home owners, on the other hand, won’t see an overall change.
 
"They're going down 2% in the winter time and they're going up 2% in the summer time but for the year there is no change in residential rates," said John Vansant, the WG&L Finance Director.

Also in the agenda was penalty fees charged by WG&L for meter tampering. This will be raised from $25 dollars to $50 for water service, and from $25 to $200 for electric or gas tampering. WG&L officials say they are doing as a deterrent to help keep people safe as tampering can result in injury.

Meter tampering can also incite a fine from police of up to $1000 dollars or 12 months in jail as meter tampering is also illegal.

Stay connected to MySouthWestGA.com as the story develops and the FOX 31 Newscast at 10 PM. Visit us on Facebook and Twitter to join in on the conversation and connect with FOX 31!