National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. announced Monday that the monthly bill for a typical residential customer in northwestern Pennsylvania will decrease 4.4 percent from $71.71 to $68.54.
The reduction will take effect today as part of the utility’s quarterly adjustment to gas supply charges.
The main driver of the adjustment is low market prices, according to the utility. The 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.
National Fuel hasn’t sought to increase the delivery service charges paid by its residential customers in more than nine years, even while consistent investments in pipeline safety and system modernization have continued.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, opens today. 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, people may visit www.LIHEAPhelps.com or contact (877) 443-2743.
Customers who are having trouble paying their bills may call National Fuel Customer Service at (800) 365-3234 to discuss available payment programs and services.
