CHEYENNE - Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power is seeking to increase natural gas rates for customers in southeast Wyoming this April, May and June.

The increase would boost the average residential customer's gas bill from $59 to $68 a month. The average gas bill for a small business would increase from $283 to $338 a month.

The utility filed a rate increase request Friday with the Wyoming Public Service Commission.

Officials with the utility say the increase is needed because the completion of a gas pipeline is diminishing the supply of natural gas in Wyoming. The utility also says this winter has been substantially colder than the past couple winters.