Yankee Gas is seeking approval from Connecticut regulators for a rate hike that would increase natural gas bills by 29 percent. If approved, the average monthly bill would rise by about $47. During winter months, heating customers could see an $80 to $85 spike, while summer increases for non-heating customers would range from $15 to $20. Yankee Gas claims the increase is necessary to fund safety and reliability upgrades and points to the fact that it’s their first rate change request in six years.