FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Northern Indiana residents can expect gas bills to cost a few dollars more throughout the winter months, NIPSCO announced Wednesday. NIPSCO shared a chart comparing winter gas bills. The company's "forecast", based on market projections and the typical winter weather, is a 15% increase for natural gas residential customers. That amounts to a difference under $10, but peaking at an average of $23 higher for March. Throughout the winter months, the hike would be an increase from last year's average, but still cheaper than 2022, NIPSCO said in a press release. NIPSCO announced in July natural gas rates would soon be raised by a monthly average of $5. The rate change began in August, with a second phase expected for early 2025. NIPSCO cited the rate hike as the primary reason the company expects bills to increase this winter.