Columbia Gas files for 1-cent rate boost

11/16/2007

Natural gas rates in December are rising for customers of Columbia Gas of Ohio Inc., which has asked regulators permission to charge $1.05 per 100 cubic feet, up a penny from this month and 2 cents from the same month a year ago.

The utility filed the rate yesterday. It is down 25 cents from two years ago but up 12 cents from three years ago.

The company estimates customers will pay less for next month s natural gas, however, because of conservation. It predicts an average bill will be $149, down from $154 a year ago.