PITTSBURGH Peoples Natural Gas has applied for its first base-rate hike in 15 years.

Sean Connolly, a company spokesman, said the proposed rate would increase the average residential customer's bill from $71 per month to $85.91 per month, or 21 percent.

If approved, the base rate increase would generate $70.2 million to pay for current operations and “investment in the Western Pennsylvania region,” according to a company news release.

The company plans to use a $35 million fund to “lessen the impact of the base-rate increase for the first three years. If the fund had not been established, the average bill would increase to $88.86 per month,” Connolly said.

This is the first rate hike request made by Peoples since 1995.

STATE COLLEGE Rex Energy, with Marcellus Shale natural gas wells in Adams and Jackson townships, appointed Daniel Churay president and CEO.His position begins Dec. 1.He has served as a Rex Energy director since 2007, including chairman of the compensation committee. He will remain a member of the board.Churay has a bachelor's in economics from the University of Texas and a law degree from the University of Houston.

Butler County Chamber of Commerce will host two upcoming events. They are:• 8 a.m. Thursday, at the chamber office, 101 E. Diamond St., orientation for new or prospective members, called “Chamber 101.”• 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3, at Butler's Grand Ballroom, 201 S. Main St., third floor, for a Celebration of the Season holiday gathering for chamber members and guests. The event is free, but reservations are required.For information or to register, call the chamber at 724-283-2222.

The Butler County Young Professionals will host a tailgate party Friday at the Butler Country Club.The free event has appetizers and a cash bar. No debit or credit cards will be accepted, and jeans are not allowed for the event.Butler County Chamber of Commerce members who send a representative to the tailgate party will receive a free one-year membership to the young professionals group.

HERMITAGE, Mercer County Flynn’s Tire & Auto Service has opened a new store in Hermitage.This facility at 3090 E. State St. was formerly L&M Tire.Flynn’s bought two L&M Tire locations: the one in Hermitage and the L&M Tire at 810 W. Main St., Grove City.The Grove City location was remodeled and transformed into a Flynn’s Tire & Auto Service in mid-2009.Flynn’s also has a store on North Main Street in Butler.