National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp., has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) its quarterly adjustment to gas supply charges, effective today.
Officials said the adjustment decreases the monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 97,100 cubic feet of gas annually by $3.17, from $71.71 to $68.54.
This 4.4 percent decrease is effective today, according to National Fuel officials.
The main driver of the adjustment is low market prices, officials said. Low market prices for natural gas are continuing due in large part to the large supply of Marcellus Shale gas. Nearly all of the gas consumed by National Fuel utility customers comes from Northeast-produced shale gas.
National Fuel’s price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will decrease to $0.39667 per ccf. This reference point, detailed on the National Fuel bill under Gas Supply Charges, is important for customers who are shopping for an alternate gas supplier, according to National Fuel officials.
National Fuel officials said gas supply charges are passed along to customers dollar for dollar, with no mark-up or profit to National Fuel. Pennsylvania utility companies are permitted to update gas supply charges on a quarterly basis to reflect changes in the market price of natural gas. The next opportunity to adjust gas supply charges is Feb. 1, 2017.
As the result of aggressive cost-containment and productivity efforts, National Fuel hasn’t sought to increase the delivery service charges paid by its residential customers in more than nine years, even while consistent investments in pipeline safety and system modernization have continued, officials said.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opens today. Eligibility for the
federally funded program is based on income guidelines and household size. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first served basis. For additional information, visit the website www.LIHEAPhelps.com or contact 1-877-443-2743.
Customers who are having trouble paying their bills are encouraged to call National Fuel Customer Service at 1-800-365-3234 to discuss available payment programs and services.
