Laclede Gas to boost rates 12 percent in low-use period

ST. LOUIS -- Laclede Gas Co. will raise rates by 12 percent through at least October to offset higher wholesale prices of natural gas, meaning a $7 to $11 additional charge to Laclede customers during the period.

The increase, which takes effect next Friday, will have minimal impact on most of Laclede's customers in eastern Missouri because natural-gas usage is low during that period.

St. Louis-based Laclede can adjust rates four times a year with minimal Missouri Public Service Commission oversight to reflect what it pays for natural costs.

The natural-gas component accounts for 60 percent to 70 percent of the total bill; the other part of customer bills won't change.

With the increase, rates will rise to 7 cents a therm, with the average customer using 100 to 150 therms during the period.

When the rates were increased in March to 59 cents a therm the PSC predicted that higher gas rates would rise throughout the year.

Customers affected by the rate change are in the city of St. Louis, and the Missouri counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Butler, Iron, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve.