DES MOINES, I.A.(WNAX)- MidAmerican Energy will ask the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission for a natural gas rate increase.

MidAmerican spokesman Geoff Greenwood says its needed for continued investments and improvements in their distribution system

Greenwood says the actual price of natural gas can change very rapidly.

Greenwood says its been a while since they have asked for a rate increase.

Greenwood says depending on the PUC timeline, customers may see the rate change on their bills in October or November.

MidAmerican serves about one hundred four thousand customers in southeast South Dakota.