National Fuel Gas is hiking its cost for natural gas, starting today.
On Tuesday, utility officials said National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp., has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) its quarterly adjustment to gas supply charges.
Officials said the adjustment increases the monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 97,100 cubic feet of gas annually by $4.52, from $68.54 to $73.06. The 6.6 percent increase is effective today.
The main driver of the adjustment is projected higher natural gas supply charges. Market prices of natural gas continue to remain low when compared to the previous 10 years 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.
Officials said National Fuel’s price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will increase to $0.45045 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.
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 May 1.
Officials said as the result of aggressive cost-containment and productivity efforts, National Fuel hasn’t sought to increase the delivery service charges paid by its Pennsylvania residential customers in more than nine years, even while consistent investments in pipeline safety and system modernization have continued.
To that end, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP, is open. Eligibility for the federally funded program is based on income guidelines and household size. Money is 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 contact National Fuel Customer Service at 1-800-365-3234 to discuss available payment programs and services.
National Fuel is the utility segment of National Fuel Gas Co., an integrated energy company that is engaged in a number of natural gas-related activities. The utility provides natural gas service to more than 740,000 customers in Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania, including Bradford and across McKean County.
