January 25, 2002
Osaka to Lower its Gas Rates

Osaka Gas announced today its plan to lower its gas rates for residential and small commercial customers by the average of 5.04%. In the general residential rate, gas prices will be lowered by 3.67%, resulting in the expected decline of about 2,900 yen in the annual gas bills of average households with the consumption of 600 cubic meters per year. The monthly gas consumption volume bands in this category will be increased from the current three to five. In addition to the general rate, Osaka Gas plans to introduce four new rates; congeneration rate for multi-family buildings, seasonal contract rate for commercial users, gas lighting rate, and a long-term gas service rate. In the areas of gas transportation services, the company also plans to lower the transportation charges by 4.65%.
The planned action by Osaka Gas is to increase the price competitiveness of natural gas, which has been brought about the companyÕs commitment to lower costs of gas operations. The new rates will be implemented on March 1, 2002.