HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut legislator has introduced a bill to waive demand fees that churches and other houses of worship pay for natural gas.

The Republican-American reports that the bill would make facilities with rooms that occupy 25 percent of the total square footage and are used one day a week or not more than 200 hours a year exempt from the fee, applied for spikes in usage.

Republican Rep. Arthur O'Neill, of Southbury, says churches operate on thin margins, and most hold services once a week during nonpeak hours for gas usage.

Rabbi Eric Polokoff says synagogue B'nai Israel in Southbury paid nearly $6,000 in demand fees last year.

An Eversource spokesman says while the utility is still reviewing the bill, it is aware of proposals that may shift costs to other customers.