PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has issued a warning about rapidly rising natural gas prices, telling consumers to prepare now.

Tom Glanzer with Northwestern Energy, says several factors are forcing natural gas prices up.

Glanzer says it’s a worldwide issue.

Glanzer says as the economy recovers from the pandemic, the demand for natural gas is surging.

Natural gas costs could be double what they were a year ago.