Customers of Peoples Natural Gas are now paying more for their gas.

Effective April 1, the quarterly adjusted gas cost commodity rate increased from $4.80 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) to $5.32 per mcf.

With the increase, a residential customer who uses 80,000 cubic feet per year, or 6.7 mcf per month, will see a monthly bill increase from $96 to $100, said Carol Scanlon, Peoples manager of rates.

“The commodity gas cost is a straight dollar-for-dollar pass through from Peoples to the customers, thus Peoples does not profit from the gas cost commodity rate,” Scanlon said.

Peoples serves about 31,200 customers in Blair County.

Peoples’ customer relations team can assist those who are concerned about paying their bills. Options include budget billing, payment plans and applying for customer assistance programs.

One of the most popular programs, LIHEAP, recently extended its deadline to apply from April 4 to April 18. LIHEAP provides grants to help homeowners and renters cover heating costs, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Grants start at $200 and may increase based on income and household size.

Call 1-800-400-9276 or visit www.peoples-gas.com/help for more information on LIHEAP and other assistance options.