NorthWestern says it will seek large natural gas increase

HELENA (AP) - NorthWestern Energy says it intends to seek another large increase in natural gas rates for its Montana customers, beginning as early as July 1.

Company officials told the Public Service Commission Wednesday that the prices it pays for natural gas are rising, and it intends to file paperwork with the commission next week to increase rates for its 158,000 natural gas customers in Montana.

''We're projecting fairly significant increases in gas costs and, therefore, customers' bills,'' said Pat Corcoran, NorthWestern's vice president for regulatory affairs. ''The gas market is chang...