PSNC Energy, the Triangle's natural gas utility, is increasing rates
by about 10.5 percent effective March 1. The change will raise the
typical residential bill by about $9.50 a month.

It's the first increase for the company after eight consecutive
rate decreases. PSNC, with about 460,000 customers in the sate, has
been dropping its rates to reflect the falling cost of natural gas
prices.

The Gastonia-based utility requested the rate increase Monday with the N.C.
Utilities Commission. The commission is almost certain to approve the
request.

"The good news is they held off during January and February," said
Jeff Davis, director of the natural gas division of the Public Staff,
the state's consumer protection agency in utility rate cases.