The Georgia Public Service Commission will hold one last hearing today before it issues a decision on a proposed rate change for a local natural gas provider.

The commission’s energy committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. to allow interested parties to speak on a request from Atmos Energy to raise its rates.

The company, which provides natural gas to customers in Gainesville and Oakwood, filed a request last October to raise customers’ rates by about $4 each month.

The company is seeking a $3.8 million increase in rates, a change the company says it needs because of changing market conditions and increased operating costs.

The commission’s public interest advocacy staff has recommended a rate increase of approximately $1.7 million. The commission last approved a change in Atmos’ rates on Sept. 17, 2008.

After tomorrow’s hearing, the commission is expected to issue a final decision Monday. Both today and Monday’s meeting will take place in Room 110 at 244 Washington St. SW in Atlanta.

Any change in rates would take effect April 1.