Wichita ? The rate increase that Kansas Gas Service is seeking is far higher than the amount staff at the Kansas Corporation Commission has recommended.

The gas company is asking for a net increase of about $32 million a year, and KCC staff recommends the company get only $3.6 million.

The Wichita Eagle reported that the recommendations are cited in documents filed last week.

The gas company’s proposal would raise the average customer’s bill by $5.68 a month. The KCC proposal would boost those bills about $1.

KGS spokeswoman Dawn Ewing said the company is still analyzing the KCC staff recommendations but believes its original proposal would result in fair and reasonable rates.