By Jason Taylor Mar 15, 2021 DES MOINES, Iowa- The Iowa Utilities Board is requiring power companies to file plans for recovering costs from February's severe weather. The cold snap last month disrupted energy production and led to a major spike in natural gas and electric costs. The Utilities Board says it'll approve the companies' plans in time for them to increase rates next month. MidAmerican Energy has announced its residential customers will see an 18 percent increase in natural gas bills for the rest of the year. The Utilities Board is also requiring that the power companies' responses to high bill increases will be communicated to customers, and is recommending that customers reach out directly to the companies' for up-to-date information.