Escalating costs are forcing gas-provider Consumers Energy Co. to seek rate increases that would cost students and area residents several hundred more dollars per year for natural gas.

If the Michigan Public Service Commission approves, Consumers Energy bills could increase between 40 percent and 60 percent April 1. The company’s rates have been fixed since 1998, but the rate freeze ends March 31.

The Jackson-based company is the state’s largest provider of natural gas, servicing 1.7 million homes and businesses, including those in Greater Lansing.

The possibility of increased rates worry many students who are already paying close to $100 a month for heat.

“That’s going to be something I’m going to have to budget for,” Tracey Gaughran said.

“It’s not as though we have money to throw around - that’s going to mean less money to buy things and