CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - State regulators have approved a gas-rate increase that will boost bills for Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power's residential customers an average of 29 percent.

The Wyoming Public Service Commission on Thursday also approved rate increases for the utility's commercial and industrial customers.

The utility didn't plan on wholesale gas prices going up as much as they have. "The market has erupted and the demand for natural gas remains high," company President Rick Kaysen said.

He said gas prices have reached record levels.

"People should look at ways to conserve energy - caulking, weather stripping, opening the shades on the south side of the house during the day to let the heat in," he said.

Information from: Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com