ERIE — National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission its quarterly adjustment to gas supply charges.
This adjustment increases the monthly bill of a typical residential customer with annual usage of 100,300 cubic feet of gas by $2.36, from $67.99 to $70.35. This 3.47 percent increase went into effect Sunday.
Resulting from the abundant supply of Marcellus and Utica shale gas produced in the northeast and benefitting northwestern Pennsylvania homes and businesses, market prices for natural gas remain at 12-year lows. Nearly all of the gas consumed by National Fuel utility customers comes from northeast-produced shale gas, including gas produced in Pennsylvania.
National Fuel’s price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will increase to $0.38894 per 100 cubic feet (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 Feb. 1.
Effective Nov. 9, the Pennsylvania PUC will lift its current utility service termination moratorium. Customers having difficulty paying their bills are strongly advised to promptly contact National Fuel Customer Service, 1-800-365-3234, to discuss payment arrangements and available payment assistance programs.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP, opens today. Eligibility for this federally funded program is based on income guidelines and household size. For example, a family of four with a gross monthly income of $3,275 may 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.
