Black Hills Energy’s Kansas natural gas utility Tuesday filed for a rate increase that it said would raise the typical residential bill by $4.17 per month.

The proposal will be considered by the Kansas Corporation Commission.

Black Hills, which is based in Lawrence, said it needs the increased rates to recover costs of increased operating expenses and infrastructure investments, which have totaled nearly $51 million since 2006.

“We’re committed to controlling costs and making responsible investments so that our customers can count on us for safe, reliable natural gas service at a reasonable price,” said Lon Meyer, director of business operations for Black Hills Energy’s Kansas natural gas utility.

The utility serves customers in 64 Kansas communities.