South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. has asked the Public Service Commission of South Carolina for a 0.87 percent increase in natural gas rates, a press release states. If approved, the rate will go into effect in November 2008, just in time for the winter heating season.

Residential customers would bear the brunt of the hike:
- 1.48 percent for residential customers
- 0.62 percent for small/medium commercial customers
- 0.48 percent for large commercial/industrial customers

Based on average use, residential customers should expect to pay $13.50 more per year.

Gas rates rose 1.02 percent in June due to rises in the cost of natural gas, consumers should expect to see (on average) an extra $1.90 on their bills from that.

Also, in late May SCE&G announced they are looking to raise electric rates by 39 percent by 2019.

If you've been thinking about getting more efficient appliances, maybe it's time.