Cold winter weather and lower production of natural gas are causing gas bills to skyrocket across the country.

About 55% of U.S. homeowners use natural gas to heat their homes.

Prices for natural gas are up more than 130% from last year and are the highest since April of 2001.

Tim Richards with Kansas Gas Service says while national gas prices are climbing, here in Wichita they remain stable.

"We currently this month are seeing a gas price that is probably the lowest it's been since the winter of 2000," Richards said.

Last spring KGS locked in at a low rate saving customers from seeing a huge spike for now, but if we get a prolonged cold spell they may have to buy more gas at regular rates -- which would mean a slight increase in prices.

KGS officials say that customers will see an upward creep on a month-to-month basis.

To help lower your gas bill, experts suggest having proper insulation keeping windows and doors always shut and keep your thermostat as low as possible during the winter months to help you save money.

Kansas Gas Service says next year prices will more than likely go up here in Wichita. When they lock in rates this spring those rates are expected to be higher.