Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) is proposing electric and natural gas rate increases due to increased demands during colder months.The proposed rate increase is about 3.5% or about $8.71 per month for the average customer. To help with the cost increase, CSU is offering some tips for the colder months, which include the following: weather stripping your doors and windows change your furnace filter every 30 days keep your thermostat around 68 during the winterThe cost adjustments were proposed at the city council work session and will be voted on by the council Tuesday. "There is a general seasonal increase in natural gas prices as we move into the winter and that's what we're really responding to with these proposed changes is that seasonal rise in natural gas prices driven by increased demand and if approved by City Council, those changes would go into effect October 1," said Scott Shirola with CSU. The rates are adjusted quarterly and are not necessarily permanent. These increases are separate from the proposed base rate increases for infrastructure and regulation compliance.Colorado Springs Utilities presents proposed utility rate increases_______Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.