Duke seeks gas rate increase in Ky.

Duke Energy Kentucky said Wednesday that it has asked Kentucky regulators for permission to raise rates for its 95,000 natural gas customers in northern Kentucky by an average of 18 percent.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke, one of the nation's largest power generators, said a typical customer would see rates increase to $88.59 per month from $75.15 beginning early next year.

Duke said since its last rate increase in 2006 for delivering natural gas, it has invested more than $60 million in a program designed to replace 209 miles of main gas lines by 2010.