The Gas Co. filed a request on Monday, Aug. 4, with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) asking for an increase in utility gas rates for Maui, Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, O‘ahu and the Big Island. This is the first rate adjustment since 2000 for the company. A rise in operational and maintenance costs, as well as capital investments, appear to be the blame for the request of about a $10.62 monthly increase to an average resident’s bill. The 8.4 percent hike would affect about 35,000 customers, nearly half of the Gas Co. total clientele, but would not appear on bills until at least the middle of 2009. According to the Gas Co., this increase would not raise the cost of fuel, as changes in fuel costs will be distributed in monthly bills, without markup, to customers.