LOGAN – According to a survey of 17 West Virginia cities, residents of Logan enjoy the lowest utility rates, while Bluefield residents have the state’s highest bills.

The annual report released by the Consumer Advocate Division of the Public Service Commission says rates for residential gas, electricity, water and telephone service by 5.3 percent. The study shows last year’s average utility customer in West Virginia paid $292.81, currently the same customer pays $277.22.

The report cites declining residential natural gas rates as the primary reason for the decrease. Bills have decreased by 29.7 percent for residents who heat their home with natural gas. Those declining rates for natural gas are offset by electric rates that have risen by 38.4 percent and water rates that have increased 35.5 percent since 2008.

The basis for averages used were 13,000 cubic feet of gas, 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, 4,500 gallons of water and a single line telephone with flat rate service. The telephone rates also included applicable federal subscriber line charge, federal universal service credits and surcharges and deaf relay service surcharges.

The statewide monthly average for all West Virginia cities studied is $277.22. In comparison, the average for five cities in surrounding states that were studied is $293.89. Customers pay $234.32 in Lexington, Ky. , $272.40 in Columbus, Ohio, $296.15 in Richmond, Va., $315.72 in Baltimore, Md., and $350.85, the highest, in Pittsburg, Penn.

To view the entire report, as well as reports from previous years, visit http://www.cad.state.wv.us/AnnualReports.htm