The Monroe Evening News reports today (page 1A of the print and e-editions) that Michigan Gas Utilities Corp. will have a 22 percent rate hike in September.

A snippet:

It’s the result of an unusual and unexplained run-up in natural gas costs during late spring and early summer months – a period when market prices normally begin a seasonal drop, MGU officials said.

It means a monthly bill for a home using 10,000 cubic feet a month could go from $105 to about $129. …

Paul J. Livernois, MGU’s manager of external affairs, urged customers to consider signing up for the company’s budget plan to help buffer against higher costs. A furnace check-up before the cold weather also is advisable to make sure the furnace burns efficiently.

I do recommend putting as many utilities as possible on the budget-pay plan. We have done that in that past with our natural gas bill, although right now only our electric bill is on that program.

If you need assistance with utility bills and live in southeast Michigan, Julie’s List, which is a resource referral site for southeast Michigan including Monroe County, also has a page on utility resources.