A program that might cut natural gas rates for elderly and handicapped residents gained support from three city commissioners. During a study session, the commission was urged to back a Life-Line plan for gas rates. Under the proposal, rates for needy segments of the population would be lower than normal, with costs to be subsidized by other gas customers. Don Binns, Tom Gleason and Nancy Shontz were quick to support the move. Marci Francisco called for more study, and Barkley Clark was absent from the session.

Meanwhile, the City Commission indicated it might oppose efforts to raise natural gas rates because of a pass-through clause on rate hikes involving the local supplier. The commission said it doubted the Cities Service Gas Co., which was the supplier, needed the increases.