Natural gas prices to increase

Two natural gas providers in Michigan have received permission to raise their rates.
The Michigan Public Service Commission last week approved agreements with Michigan Gas Utilities and Consumers Energy, allowing the two companies to raise rates charged to natural-gas customers.
Company officials said the increase was needed to help fund safety and reliability upgrades, and to cover increasing costs for materials and labor.

The new rate will go into effect on Jan. 1. The average resident will see a rate increase of about $5 per month.
Meanwhile, Consumers Energy will increase rates to address capital-infrastructure improvements, investment in technology and operational efficiency, and increased financing costs.

The new rate begins Oct. 1 and will cost the average residential customer an additional $4.20 monthly.