Natural gas customers of T.W. Phillips Gas and Oil could see about a 2 percent rate increase next winter, pending a decision by the state Public Utility Commission.

On Thursday, T.W. Phillips made its annual purchased gas cost rate filing with the commission, seeking an overall increase of $2.2 million per year, effective Aug. 1, according to a company news release.

The PGC rate is part of T.W. Phillips’ tariff rate which recovers the cost of natural gas it buys for its 60,000 customers across nine counties in Western Pennsylvania, including Butler County.

If approved, the rate increase would result in a monthly bill increase of about $2 for the average residential customer using 87 cubic feet (Mcf) annually, from $95 to $97 monthly, the release stated.

The cost to the average commercial customer, using 333 Mcf annually, would jump from $360 to $367 monthly, and the average industrial customer using 6,500 Mcf per year would have an increase from $5,557 to $5,645 monthly.

The PUC will investigate the proposed increase and may hold hearings, according to release.

Customers may contact the utility for information at 800-222-5101.