CenterPoint Energy Arkla seeks increase

LITTLE ROCK (AP) - The state's largest natural gas utility has asked the Arkansas Public Service Commission to approve a rate increase.

CenterPoint Energy Arkla on Friday asked to charge customers an additional 13 cents per 100 cubic feet, which amount to about $12.50 per month more for residential customers, said Charles Harder, assistant general counsel at Arkla.

The company based its request on data showing it will receive less than what it pays for its gas supply. Gas utilities are regulated so that gas costs are passed on to customers, without a markup for profit.

The commission says ARkla's costs have jumped more than 60 percent of late as natural gas prices have risen. If the increase is approved, the commission or Arkla can seek to lower rates if natural gas prices drop.