By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Today's the day (Tuesday) natural gas companies in Missouri start charging higher rates for the winter.
Customers of Ameren UE, Missouri Gas Energy and Fidelity Natural Gas are among those that will increase bills an average of between 25-45% over last year.
The changes are temporary, though; customers could conceivably get refunds if gas rates decrease.
Companies are allowed to pass the wholesale cost of gas along to customers without needing approval from state regulators. The wholesale cost of gas accounts for 65-80% of customers' bills.
The state's cold weather rule also starts Tuesday, which makes it harder for companies to turn people's gas off for not paying during cold months