SaskEnergy gas bills could go up 13.5%

Crown gascompanySaskEnergy is asking for a rate hike that could mean an increase in home heating bills of 13.5 per cent.

The proposed increase to thecommodity price of natural gas (the price of delivering the gaswill stay the same) is the firstSaskEnergy has requested since 2008.

The companysays the reason is twofold: the price of gas went upand so did demand during the recent cold winter.

SaskEnergysays it does not profit on the price of gas, but simply passes along increases to customers.

Ifapproved, the increase will add about $9.57a month for the averagehome gasbill.

The hike will take effect onJuly 1, assumingit's approved by the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel and cabinet.