To cover the effect of higher natural gas costs, the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) has approved rate increases for Southern System and Northern System natural gas customers of Aquila Networks-MPS effective Monday (July 18). The Southern affiliate services 32,000 gas customers, while the Northern affiliate serves 11,200 across the state.

Southern System residential customers currently pay 74 cents/100 cf of gas, and the rate hike will add about 6 cents, to 80 cents/100 cf. Rates for a typical residential customer will increase by a total of approximately $8.00 between mid-July through October, compared with rates currently in effect.

Northern System residential customers currently pay 78.4 cents/100 cf of gas, and its rates will increase about 7.6 cents, to 86 cents. Residential customers will see an average increase of about $10 total between mid-July and October.

“Current natural gas market prices are at record levels for this time of year,” MPSC said in a statement. “It is anticipated that wholesale natural gas prices will remain high and could get even higher in the coming months, which would further impact customer bills.” Natural gas storage levels also are higher than average at this time, said the commission, but the price of stored natural gas is “relatively expensive.” It noted that 65-80% of a customer’s gas bill reflects the cost from wholesale suppliers.

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