National Fuel rates will be going down, effective today.
National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission its quarterly adjustment to gas supply charges. This adjustment decreases the monthly bill of a typical residential customer with annual usage of 97,900 cubic feet of gas by $1.63, from $74.18 to $72.55.
This 2.2 percent decrease is to become effective today. Benefitting northwestern Pennsylvania homes and businesses, market prices of natural gas continue to remain near historic lows when compared to the previous 10 years due 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 and Pennsylvania is the largest producer of those supplies.
National Fuel’s price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will decrease to $0.44191 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 will be May 1.
As the result of cost-containment efforts and efficient management, National Fuel hasn’t sought to increase the delivery service charges paid by its residential customers in more than 9 years, even while consistent investments in pipeline safety and system modernization have continued. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP, is open. Eligibility for this federally funded program is based on income guidelines and household size. For example, a family of four with a gross annual income of $36,900 will qualify for a grant. Monies are distributed on a first -come, first-served basis.
For additional information, visit www.LIHEAPhelps.com or contact 1-877-443-2743.
