With the cost of natural gas rising in the U.S., local Ameren IP customers can expect their June natural gas charges to increase by 15 percent.

The demand for natural gas has continued to grow, but the nation’s supply has failed to keep pace.

“Areas such as the gulf coast of Florida are off-limits to gas drilling and exploration,” said Leigh Morris, spokesperson for Ameren. “At the same time, the government has encouraged the greater use of natural gas for the generation of electricity.”

The price of natural gas is normally about two-thirds of the overall gas bill. The other portion is a delivery rate. Ameren only makes a profit from the delivery rate and passes the cost of the gas on to customers. The price of gas has been increasing steadily, but this month brings a more significant increase to gas bills.

“The price changes every month and we adjust our price every month, and it has taken a very significant jump for the month of June,” said Morris.