National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission its annual adjustment to gas supply charges to become effective Aug. 1.

The adjustment increases the monthly bill of a typical residential customer with annual usage of 102,800 cubic feet of gas by $22.98, from $87.13 to $110.11.

The rate adjustment is primarily due to higher market prices for natural gas, which have increased the cost of natural gas supplies that National Fuel purchases for customers. Gas supply costs are passed along to customers without mark-up or profit to National Fuel. Pennsylvania utility companies are permitted to update gas supply charges on a quarterly basis to reflect changes in the market price of natural gas. The next opportunity to adjust gas supply charges will be Nov. 1.

Market prices for natural gas have increased significantly due to several domestic and global factors that have impacted both the supply and demand of the commodity. While gas prices are trending higher compared to recent years, National Fuel’s purchasing strategy and use of storage gas helps to limit volatility or price spikes and ensures availability of supplies for the coming winter heating season.

National Fuel’s price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will increase to .90380 cents per 100 cubic feet (ccf). This reference point, detailed on the National Fuel bill under Gas Supply Charges, is important for customers who are shopping for an alternate gas supplier.