(Merrillville, IN) - NIPSCO is predicting a slight increase in heating bills this winter.  According to NIPSCO, a six-percent increase in the forecast would mean the average customer paying about $5 more a month than last year to heat their homes.

NIPSCO said the price of natural gas is near historic lows but a slight rate increase is needed to cover the overall cost of natural gas being higher.  Projections take into account market forecasts, supply trends and storage levels and are based on normal weather projections. If temperatures are colder or warmer than normal, usage amounts and bills could differ, NIPSCO said.

According to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, NIPSCO is the lowest-cost natural gas provider in the state for the last 10-years.