Comcast is asking New Jersey regulators for permission to raise rates for its Limited Basic service, offering primarily local television channels, by 40% in 2013.

Comcast of Central New Jersey has filed a request with the Board of Public Utilities to adjust the rate for limited basic service from around $15 a month to more than $21.

The company blamed inflation, programming and “external” costs for the rate increase, which is just shy of the maximum amount permitted by law.

Federal law permits regulators to oversee cable rates for the broadcast basic tier, which provides customers primarily with local television service. All other tiers of service are unregulated.

New Jersey officials are asking state residents to comment on the proposed rate increase until Jan. 17. Comments may be sent in writing to:

Acting Director, Office of Cable Television
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
44 South Clinton Avenue 9th Floor
P. O. Box 350
Trenton, NJ 08625-0350

Comcast has no intention of waiting for approval, however. It will begin charging the new, higher rate on Jan. 1. Should the board reject the rate increase, customers will be given a refund.