Shift on Alaskan pipeline could raise US fuel bills

Residential natural gas bills will rise anywhere from $37 to $72 a year if the US Congress approves changes this week in ground rules for financing a $50 billion Alaska pipeline project, according to a congressional staff analysis.

The package, submitted to Congress by President Reagan seven weeks ago, would make it easier for the pipeline consortium to finance the project by shifting much of the financial risk to US gas customers.

The Senate has already approved the waiver package and the House will vote this week.

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader called the waiver ''an unprecedented burden'' that makes consumers assume the risks eschewed by shareholders without the benefit of equity, dividends, or voting rights.