LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraskans’ gas bills could be going up soon.
On Friday, Black Hills Energy announced that it is seeking to raise its natural gas base rates in the Cornhusker State.
The utility company has submitted a proposal with the Nebraska Public Service Commission, which would need to approve the hike.
Kevin Jarosz, the Nebraska vice president of operations, said inflation has increased costs for Black Hills across the board.
That “includes everything from natural gas pipeline construction costs such as steel pipes, valves, flanges and fittings, to vehicle expense, and compensation for our hardworking Nebraska employees and contractors,” he said in a statement to Channel 8.
If this increase is approved, the average monthly bill for residential customers would go up by $6.27, the utility said.
The new rates would be fully implemented by the first half of 2026.
The utility has more than 304,000 customers in more than 300 communities in Nebraska.
Black Hills last requested a rate hike from the Public Service Commission in 2020.