By Alabama Public Radio
Huntsville, AL – The Huntsville Utilities Natural Gas Board has raised its rates again. It's the second increase in a month and the fourth in a year. Now, natural gas customers in Huntsville will be paying more than 89 percent more since October of last year. Back then, it cost eight-dollars-70 cents per one-thousand cubic feet of gas. Now it costs 16-dollars-48 cents for the same amount. Spokesman Bill Yell says the utility has to buy natural gas on the spot market because companies that produce natural gas will not agree to long-term contracts. Buying on the spot market is more expensive, and the prices are more volatile. Utilities officials say residents can save money by lowering home thermostats to 65 degrees.