Columbia Gas will be raising rates in time for the first month of winter heating. The November rate, when the cold usually forces people to turn on the heat for the first time after summer, will be $1.19 per 100 cubic feet, an increase of 16 cents over this month’s rate.

This means the average bill will be $97.15, compared to $88.21 during November last year.

The increase is to make up for Columbia undercharging customers a reported $67 million from May through July.

The increase comes on the heels of a reduction in budget pricing, announced last month.

Due to a steep decline in natural gas prices, the company announced at the end of September they will reduce the budget payment amount for most residential customers by about $30.00 per month, or by approximately 22 percent, effective with October bills.

For the average residential customer who purchases their gas from Columbia, the monthly budget payment amount will drop from about $133.00 to about $103.00. This is the first time Columbia has adjusted budget payment amounts prior to the heating season.