Charlotte, N.C.-Based Piedmont Natural Gas Predicts Higher Heating Bills.

Byline: Brian Louis

Jul. 8--Piedmont Natural Gas Co. said yesterday that customers should expect their heating bills to be 20 percent to 30 percent higher this winter than last winter because of the increased wholesale price of natural gas.

The company also warned that if this winter is colder than normal, a larger increase in the cost of natural gas is possible.

"We don't like higher gas prices at Piedmont Natural Gas anymore than do our customers," said Thomas Skains, the president and chief executive of Piedmont.

"Higher prices reduce retail demand for natural gas, increase our operating expenses, and challenge our efforts to maintain …