Gas company prepares for higher rates in July

COLUMBUS (AP) — The state is already preparing for the prospect that Ohioans will have difficulty paying the hefty natural gas bills that are expected next winter.

The state consumers’ counsel says regulators are likely to issue new rules soon on when and how utilities can cut off a customer.

Record-high rates take effect next month for customers of Columbia Gas of Ohio, the state’s largest natural gas provider.

It means the average bill for July is expected to be $33.58, up $4.50 from a year ago.

The real pain will be felt during the cold weather months. Taking into account the new rates and average gas usage from last winter, the average Columbia bill for January 2009 could hit $275, versus $213 earlier this year.