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Public Service Co. of New Mexico (PNM) is warning its customers of potentially higher natural gas prices this winter, anticipating a continued steady rise in wholesale costs that the Albuquerque, NM-based combination utility has seen since last spring. Compared to last winter when prices never exceeded 28 cents/therm, PNM said they could range between 35 and 50 cents/therm this winter. The utility said it has hedged against gas price spikes by buying most of its supplies on a longer term, fixed-price basis. The supply portfolio saved its customers about $27 million in the price-spike period of winter 2000-2001, a PNM spokesperson said. Energy prices generally could rise considerably if the winter is colder-than-normal, the utility spokesperson said. And another factor bidding to influence price is the situation in the Middle East. If the U.S. is at war there, prices could be increased substantially. In preparation, PNM is urging it customers to take various energy-saving steps to mitig ....