The Public Utilities Board has approved the application of Centra Gas Manitoba Inc. to decrease the current Primary Gas rate from $0.2055/m3 to $0.1977/m3, effective August 1st.

According to the Utilities Board, the current Primary Gas rate reduction is the result of declines in the North American natural gas market prices.

The new rate is projected to decrease the bill for a typical residential customer by approximately 1.9 per cent or $16 per year. However, Primary Gas rates will reportedly be reviewed again on November 1st.

Primary Gas rates for customers that have signed fixed-term fixed-price contracts with either Centra or a private broker are not affected.