Columbia Gas of Ohio has petitioned state regulators to charge $1.03 per 100 cubic feet for its natural gas next month, about 6 cents lower than a month ago but 10 cents higher than the same month last year.
The utility estimates the average customer bill in October will be $41, compared to $28 in September, with the increase attributable largely to colder temperatures.
The utility said a month ago its average budget billing for the coming year would be $133, up 30 percent from last year.