HUNTSVILLE – Huntsville Utilities business and residential customers will see an increase in their natural gas next month, the utility said in a news release. The increase will affect about 60,000 customers in Huntsville and Madison County.

At the October meeting of the Huntsville Utilities Natural Gas & Waterworks Board, members approved the increase from $10.22 per 1,000 cubic feet to $11.03 per 1,000 cubic feet, effective Nov. 1

The board said the decision is the best way to mitigate rising prices and prevent any possible impacts a cold winter would have on prices.

The natural gas availability fee, across all customer classes, will remain unchanged.

The utility said it anticipates holding rates at the new level for the remainder of the fiscal year. The adjusted rates will be published on the Huntsville Utilities website this month.