But among the three dozen customers who showed up were those worried state regulators would adopt a Questar Gas suggestion to restrict individual Utahns from fully participating in rate cases.

"We have as much right to participate [in PSC hearings] as anyone else," said Dee Hart of Salt Lake City. "To say that we can't speak up for ourselves, or have to have an attorney represent us, is just wrong."

In early May, the PSC requested comments on how it might want to revamp its rules governing its procedures for handling information and conducting formal hearings, such as those held when rate increase are considered.

While Questar offered written suggestions on how the PSC could use technology to help information flow, it was the utility's comments about restricting individual Utahns from getting personally involved in utility rate cases that raised the ire of dozens of its customers.

"We were solicited for our comments [by the PSC]," Questar spokesman Chad Jones said. "But we do think that the question of who should be allowed to participate [in formal hearings] needs to be discussed."

Individual consumers for years have been able to participate in formal hearings before the PSC by filing a request to intervene in cases. By becoming full participants, consumers could question utility witnesses, review and analyze information the utility offered - even data it didn't want to be made public - and present evidence against the company's position.

Few ever did.

Yet in recent cases Questar maintains it has caused problems when individual Utahns, who it believes should only be offering their opinions on whether rate increases are fair, have demanded the right to fully participate in rate cases.

The company's comments were directed at Roger Ball, a former chairman of the Committee of Consumer Services, who has tried to intervene in the past couple of cases involving Questar.

"These problems would be resolved if customers, particularly residential and small commercial customers, were only allowed to participate as public witnesses unless they demonstrate some unique and substantial interest beyond that of other customers," Questar told the PSC.

Utility customer Dan Kennelly said Questar Gas "just wants us to shut up and go away. They don't want anyone around to question what they say."

PSC chairman Ted Boyer said the commission was looking for input on how it might change its rules but is unsure if it will proceed to propose any changes. "We haven't decided yet if we'll do anything at all."

steve@sltrib.com

* The PSC is comprised of three commissioners appointed by the governor to set the rates that utilities are allowed to charge their customers. Its goal is to ensure safe, reliable and reasonably priced utility service.