Inuvik (Oct 23/06) - A petition is being circulated to combat a proposed 16 per cent increase to natural gas prices by Inuvik Gas.

Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Robert McLeod, who has publicly slamming the proposed rate increase and wrote a letter of his own to the board requesting a public meeting on the matter, is the instigator of the petition.

"After I wrote my letter ... they sent one back stating that there aren't enough people in the community that are concerned about it," said McLeod."I've heard concerns from people here in town ... the last time I checked, I represent these people."

"The petition will be tabled in the house," said McLeod.

"If the Public Utilities Board wants a public outcry, they will get one.

The only supplier of natural gas to the town is Inuvik Gas, which is supplied through its parent companies.

The company made a request to the Territorial Public Utility Board to increase the price of gas in Inuvik by 16 cents on the dollar, said Ken Jacobson, general manager of Inuvik Gas.

The current price of the gas in the community is $16.70 per gigajoule, but that could soon jump to $19.35.

Jacobson requested the new rate take effect as of Oct. 22. The increased rates reflect higher costs faced by Inuvik Gas, he said.

"Even though we want to raise the price, it is still the cheapest heating service in town," he said.

"With natural gas, there is a 37 per cent savings over home heating fuel."

After word of the gas company's request came out, the Town of Inuvik sent its own letter of complaint to the utilities board.