By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – State regulators predict Laclede Gas customers will spend an average of 46% more for heat this winter than last year.
That's because Laclede is paying a higher wholesale price, and utilities are allowed to pass that wholesale cost on to consumers without state approval.
The Missouri Public Service Commission says the average Laclede customer spent $751 for heat last winter. This year, the same customer will probably spend $1,095.
Starting Monday, Laclede is raising its rates for 100 cubic feet of gas from the current $0.83 cents to $1.13.
Laclede Gas has about 631,000 natural gas customers in the St. Louis area and eastern Missouri.