Local gas companies hiking prices

December 31, 2009 The companies say market prices have risen in the past few weeks, and they charge exactly what natural gas costs them.

The increase is from 52 and a quarter cents per therm to almost 62 cents per therm.

The companies stress the higher price is still much less than last January's natural gas price of 75 and a half cents per therm.

Low-income or unemployed customers may qualify for financial assistance.