Central Hudson Gas & Electric Company May 31, said that natural gas prices will increase beginning June 1. The utility said the supply price for natural gas will rise to 77 cents per 100 cubic feet, up from 64 cents in May, a 20 percent increase. Central Hudson said that while the use of natural gas “by homes and residents is typically lower in June, supply prices stated on bills and overall bill impacts will vary for individual customers depending on their billing cycle and energy usage." Joseph Jenkins, a Central Hudson spokesman said electricity price changes for the month will be available on June 9 or 10. Central Hudson is deferring gas spot purchases made earlier this year and spreading those costs throughout the 2023 calendar year to help reduce overall bill impacts to customers. “These spot purchases were necessary during the periods of extreme cold this winter to meet the heating needs of residents and businesses,” the company said in a press release. The state Public Service Commission recently announced that while the state is prepared to meet the increased demand for electricity this summer, it anticipates supply costs to increase. The gas supply announcement comes amid thousands of complaints about high Central Hudson bills, and investigations by the Public Service Commission, and a state Senate committee.