ERIE — National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) its required annual Purchased Gas Cost projection for gas purchases to be made Aug. 1, 2017, through July 31, 2018.

The company is projecting an increase in overall gas supply charges totaling approximately $43.03 per year in this state-required filing. If approved as filed, the monthly bill for a typical residential customer starting in August 2017, would increase $3.58 from $69.00 to $72.58 per month or by 5.2 percent.

The primary reason for this forecasted increase in gas supply charges is that costs associated with the purchase and transmission of natural gas are projected to be higher than those reflected in current rates.

Customers are advised that this forecast is for prices to be experienced next winter (2017-18) and must be thoroughly reviewed and approved by the PUC before becoming effective. Additionally, upon approval, pricing will be adjusted quarterly to reflect actual and more current market prices.

National Fuel is required by law to shop for the most reasonably priced gas while still maintaining an adequate supply for more than 200,000 Pennsylvania customers. As market prices fluctuate, National Fuel is required to pass those changes to customers, without any mark-up or discount. This differs from delivery service charges, which reflect the company’s costs of doing business (including costs associated with installing and maintaining the local pipeline delivery system), and are determined by the PUC.