Columbia Gas of Ohio Inc. said this week the February residential rate for its natural gas customers will be 51 cents per 100 cubic feet, up 9 cents from January and up 3 cents from a year ago.

The new rate is based on the Nymex price of 36 cents per 100 cubic feet, plus a 15 cent state-approved service fee. The utility estimates the average gas bill for February will be $126.28, up from $121.68 a year ago.

First Published February 1, 2018, 5:31 a.m.