Bellevue-based Puget Sound Energy wants to reduce the amount customers pay for natural gas.

The utility is asking the Washington State Utilities and Transportation to decrease the rate an overall 12.5 percent.

The new rate would be close to what PSE customers were paying in 2005.

PSE officials said the rate cuts not only are an attempt to help customers during the recession but also acknowledge the cold and costly winter and spring.

Puget Sound Energy also filed for a request for the state to review its rates and approve an increase in both gas and electricity in about a year.