Southern Connecticut Gas Co., which serves Westport and other southwest Connecticut communities, is seeking an almost 9 percent increase in its rates.
State utility regulators plan to hold hearings later this month on the request.
The gas company is seeking the $20.7 million increase to cover higher taxes and other expenses it has incurred since rates were set in 1999.
The requested rate increase would raise bills by about $16 a month for the average customer whose home is heated with natural gas, the company said.
Commercial and industrial customers also would see rate increases, depending on their use.
The state Department of Public Utility Control had scheduled hearings to start April 27. A draft decision is tentatively due July 9.
State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said his office is reviewing the proposed rate increase. He called it “excessive and unjustified.”
