PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION National Fuel Gas rates increase 2.3 percent

SHARON, Pa. -- The cost of natural gas for National Fuel Gas customers went up 2.3 percent Monday.
The company filed new rates with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission raising its gas cost rate by 2.3 percent, which will increase the typical residential customer's bill from $118 to $120 a month.
Based on these latest figures, the company estimates that residential bills will be approximately 13 percent higher this winter than last year.
The utility is allowed to adjust its gas cost rate quarterly to reflect the changing cost of gas it must buy to supply its customers.
The company isn't allowed to make a profit on its gas costs but is allowed to charge consumers the exact price of that gas.
National prices
Monday's increase is a result of dramatic increases in national wholesale prices, the company said.
Spokeswoman Nancy Taylor said National Fuel's extensive storage capabilities and a combination of buying practices such as fixed contracts helped spare local customers the full effect of the recent upswing in gas prices.
National Fuel also has a 7.5 percent rate increase pending before the PUC on its service rates. The company had hoped to secure that increase by Nov. 14.
If approved, it would boost the average residential bill to about $129 per month.
The company serves 214,000 customers in 14 northwestern Pennsylvania counties, including 30,000 in Mercer County but none in Lawrence County.