ERIE — National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission its annual adjustment to gas supply charges to become effective Nov. 1.
This adjustment increases the monthly bill of a typical residential customer with an annual usage of 99,300 cubic feet of gas by $2.73, from $72.12 to $74.85. The increase in gas supply charges is primarily due to increased market prices for natural gas. Gas supply costs 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. National Fuel’s price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will increase to $.40159 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.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP, opens Monday. 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 $3,900 may qualify for a grant. Monies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, visit LIHEAPhelps.com or call (877) 443-2743.
Additionally, National Fuel launched a new Customer Assistance Program (CAP) that offers customers affordable monthly payments and the opportunity to have outstanding balances forgiven at the time of enrollment. CAP is available to residential customers with a household income equal to or less than 150% of federal poverty income guidelines. Customers who are eligible for LIHEAP also will be eligible for CAP. To apply, visit nationalfuel.com/applycap. National Fuel customers who are having trouble paying their bills should call (800) 365-3234 to learn more about CAP and other programs and services.
For more information, visit nationalfuel.com.
