Mo. natural gas users could pay $100 to $200 extra this winter

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri utilities next winter can add an extra $100 to $200 charge for wholesale gas prices.

AmerenUE, Atmos Energy and Missouri Gas Energy received approval for a higher surcharge. The Empire District also is seeking permission, and Laclede Gas is expected to follow. Fewer than 10,000 Missourians get gas elsewhere.

The extra charge would be spread across the November-to-March winter heating season and could be adjusted again for wholesale gas prices. It factors only market prices for natural gas and doesn't include company profits.

A spokesman for the Public Service Commission says the surcharge's size this early in the year is unusual. Spokesman Kevin Kelly says Missourians should start making their homes more energy efficient.