If you're a NIPSCO customer, expect to pay a little more on your utility bill starting this month. The company is increasing its natural gas rate for July by 14.8 percent.

Electric rates could change next year or in 2010. But right now, it's unknown whether rates will go up.

"It isn't a slam-dunk they're going up," Northern Indiana Public Service Co.'s chief executive officer, Eileen O'Neill Odum, told the Post-Tribune on Wednesday. "We're not expecting any rate shock. At most, a modest percentage."

The natural gas increase comes because the company pays more to buy the gas. NIPSCO does not add anything for its own profit.

"The company passes on the costs of natural gas directly to customers without any markup," the company said in a news release.

A typical NIPSCO residential customer who used 50 therms of natural gas in June should expect an increase of about $14.42 on the July bill. The exact increase depends on individual use. The service costs for gas delivery and state and local taxes also vary with gas use.

NIPSCO recently filed papers with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission indicating the company will change the electricity rate in September 2009 or 2010. The utilities commission has to approve adjustments to NIPSCO's gas supply charge.

An announcement about whether electricity rates will change, and by how much, is expected Aug. 15, which is when the utility will file proposed rates with the state.

People will be able to comment at a public hearing later.

In Minnesota and Wisconsin, tens of thousands of utility customers are already behind on their utility bills due to the slumping economy, according to Xcel Energy.

NIPSCO wouldn't comment on whether more customers in Northwest Indiana will get behind on their utility bill as a result of the gas increase.

NIPSCO encourages customers who want consistent monthly payments to sign up for a budget plan.

If you're having trouble paying your NIPSCO bill in full or on time, the company offers several programs to help people who can demonstrate a financial need.

In the Home Energy Solution pilot program, people whose income is just above the federal poverty level and who don't qualify for other assistance programs, can get a free energy audit from NIPSCO to find out how energy efficiency in their home can be improved. The company will also pay for the improvements.

If you're having trouble paying your bill, contact NIPSCO as soon as possible to avoid receiving a shut-off notice, poor credit report or late charges.

Contact NIPSCO at (800) 464-7726 or find more information at www.nipsco.com.

Helpful consumer information on natural gas prices and managing utility bills is available at the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at (888) 441-2494 or www.in.gov/oucc

Contact Gitte Laasby at 648-2183 or glaasby@post-trib.com.

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