Prairie Public Broadcasting

Higher natural gas prices for Missouri this winter JEFFERSON CITY, MO (St. Louis Public Radio) - Missouri residents should brace themselves for higher natural gas prices this winter.

That's the word from industry experts, who informed the Public Service Commission today that increased demand could lead to prolonged higher prices.

Warren Wood, President of the Missouri Energy Development Association, says speculation by investors isn't the only culprit.

"We've also seen some issues with more natural gas being used to generate electricity...we're struggling to get the liquefied natural gas imports we've seen historically, and that's because Europe and Asian markets are (paying) much higher for natural gas than even what we're paying," Wood said.

Wood added that supply disruptions caused by hurricanes could also drive up prices this summer.

Meanwhile, the Public Service Commission today (Tuesday) gave Empire District permission to charge between $186 and $242 extra for natural gas during the cold weather months of November, December, January, February and March.

Commissioners last week gave Ameren U.E., Atmos, and Missouri Gas Energy permission to charge an extra $100 to $200 during the same 5-month period.

Chairman Jeff Davis says customers of those utilities can expect to pay on average an extra $40 dollars per month for gas this winter.

"Everyone knows the price of gasoline (is high)...natural gas is a similar commodity, (so) just do everything you can to winterize your homes now and through the next five months because it could be a bad winter," Davis said. © Copyright 2012, St. Louis Public Radio