NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION FOR A GENERAL INCREASE

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION FOR A GENERAL INCREASE

IN RATES BY COLUMBIA GAS OF VIRGINIA, INC.

CASE NO. PUE980287

On May 15, 1998, Columbia Gas of Virginia, Inc. (“Columbia" or “Company”) filed an application with the Slate Corporation Commission ("the Commission”) for a general increase in rates and to revise its tariff. In its application, the tariff revisions proposed are designed to develop additional annual jurisdictional operating revenues over the Company’s latest Commission - approved rates in Case No. PUE950033 of $13,801,444, an increase of 7.4%, and over currently effective interim rates of $5,262,273, representing an increase of 2.7%. While the total revenue requirement that may be approved is limited to the amount of additional revenue produced by the Company’s proposed rates, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that individual rates and charges approved by the Commission may be either higher than or lower than those proposed by the Company. The Commission has suspended the Company’s proposed rates, and has scheduled a public hearing on January 12, 1999, before a Hearing Examiner in the Commission’s second floor courtroom, located in the Tyler Building. 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, to hear evidence relevant to the Company’s application. A copy of Columbia’s application is available for public inspection during regular business hours at all Columbia offices where customer bills may be paid, and from 8:15 a m. to 5.00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the State Corporation Commission. Document Control Center, First Floor, Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia. Any person desiring to comment in writing on Columbia's application may do so by directing such comments on or before November 23, 1998, to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218. Those written comments must refer to Case No. PUE980287. Any person desiring to make a statement at the public hearing concerning Columbia’s application need only appear in the Commission's second floor courtroom at 9:45 a.m. on the day of the hearing and identify himself or herself as a public witness to the Commission’s Bailiff. On or before July 29. 1998, persons desiring to participate as Protestants, as defined in Rule 4:6 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure ("Rule" or “Rules"), and to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses shall file an original and fifteen (15) copies of a Notice of Protest, as provided in Rule 5:16 (a) with the Clerk of the Commission at the Address set forth below and shall serve a copy of the same upon Columbia and all other parties of record. Service upon the Company shall be directed to its counsel, Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, Esquire, Mays & Valentine, L.L.P., P.O. Box 1122, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Any person who expects to submit evidence, cross-examine witnesses, or otherwise participate in the proceeding as a Protestant pursuant to Rule 4:6, shall file on or before November 23. 1998, an original and fifteen (15) copies of a Protest conforming to Rule 5:16 (b) with the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218, referring to Case No. PUE980287. and shall simultaneously send a copy thereof to Columbia's counsel at the address set out herein, and to any other Protestant. The Protestant shall set forth (i) a precise statement of interest of the Protestant in the proceeding; (ii) a full and clear statement of the facts which the Protestant is prepared to prove by competent evidence; (iii) a statement of specific relief sought and the legal basis therefor. Any corporate entity or other entity described in Rule 4:8 that wishes to submit evidence, cross-examine witnesses or otherwise participate as a Protestant must be represented by legal counsel in accordance with the requirements of Rule 4:8 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. On or before November 23, 1998, each Protestant shall file with the Clerk of the Commission an original and fifteen (15) copies of the prepared testimony and exhibits the Protestant intends to present at the January 12,1999 public hearing and shall simultaneously mail a copy of same to Columbia’s counsel at the address set out herein and to other Protestants. Protestants should review the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing for instructions regarding discovery and interrogatories. All written communications to the Commission concerning the Company's application should be directed to William J. Bridge, Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center. P.O. Box 2118, Richmond. Virginia 23218, and should refer to Case No. PUE980287. Individuals with disabilities who require an accommodation to participate in the hearing may contact the Commission at 1-800-552-7945 (voice) or 1-804-371-9026 (TDD). Individuals requesting accommodations should contact the Commission at either of these numbers at least seven (7) days before the scheduled hearing dare.

COLUMBIA GAS OF VIRGINIA, INC.