Utilities offer bill assistance programs KOAA 5 Natural gas prices spiked during the deep freeze around Valentine's Day. Many utility companies are now assessing how much to raise rates in order to recover the unexpected demand. and last updated 2021-03-11 20:19:31-05 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado â Cost adjustments began Thursday for Colorado Springs Utilities customers. The rate adjustment on natural gas is temporary and will help to make up for the spike in natural gas prices in mid February as frigid cold weather hit many states. An average residential customer can expect to pay roughly $22 more on their gas bills per month.