ERIE, Pa. – Most National Fuel customers will see a decrease in their monthly rate starting today.
National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation submitted its quarterly gas supply charge adjustment to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission yesterday.
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 Nov. 1, 2016.
The main driver of the adjustment is low market prices. 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.
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 9 years, even while consistent investments in pipeline safety and system modernization have continued,” the company stated in the release.
Additionally, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP, opens on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Eligibility for this federally funded program is based on income guidelines and household size. Monies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, visit www.LIHEAPhelps.com or contact 1-877-443-2743.
