Utility customers will pay more for home heating

CAPE GIRARDEAU — Natural gas customers in Missouri and Illinois can expect to see a significant increase in their heating costs this winter.

Ameren says higher global demand for energy has increased the price of the home-heating fuel. Customers could pay as much as 30 percent more this winter compared to last.

The utility says it will do its best to control heating costs for natural gas customers. It says the wholesale price paid to producers is not regulated, but rises and falls based on market conditions.

Ameren encourages customers to enroll in a budget billing plan and to reduce energy use.