It is already a foregone conclusion that West Virginians are going to be paying more each month to heat our home this winter with natural gas. Both Hope Gas and Mountaineer Gas are seeking rate increases of nearly double than last year. The Public Service Commission has yet to give approval for the new rates, and instead have ordered the utility companies to come up with plans to reduce the sticker shock. They have until the end of the month. The new prices are scheduled to go into effect on November 1st.