Thirteen electric power and gas companies said Thursday they will raise their charges beginning in the first quarter of next year due to higher fuel costs and changes in foreign-exchange rates.
Ten of the regional power companies said they will increase monthly charges for a model household of four people by between 29 yen and 79 yen. The other three said said they will implement an increase of 72 yen to 128 yen.
It will be the second straight quarterly price increase by the 10 utility companies and Osaka Gas Co. The two other gas utilities -- Tokyo Gas Co. and Toho Gas Co. -- did not increase their charges for the fourth quarter of last year.
The 13 companies attributed the increase to higher fuel costs following surges in crude oil and liquid natural gas prices in the third quarter this year.