NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY PO BOX 2081 / 1100 STATE STREET / ERIE, PA 16512
For additional information, please contact:
Carly Manino, 814-460-7587 National Fuel Adjusts Gas Supply Charges in Pennsylvania Erie, Pa., Oct. 30, 2015 - National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel) 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 using 94,900 cubic feet of gas annually by $2.74, from $61.22 to $58.48. This 4.48 percent decrease is to become effective Nov. 1, 2015.The main driver of the adjustment is low-market prices due in large part to the increasing production 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 $0.28445 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 Feb. 1, 2016.
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 seven years, even while consistent investments in pipeline safety and system modernization have continued.
Customers who are having trouble paying their bills are encouraged to call National Fuel Customer Service at 1-800-365- 3234 to discuss available payment programs and services. Programs include:
Budget Plan- predictable monthly gas bills and stabilized heating payments for the year
Deferred Payment Agreement- customers can negotiate a payment plan in the event of a problem or special circumstance
LIRA (Low-Income Residential Assistance Program)- reduced-rate monthly bills and debt forgiveness
LIURP (Low Income Usage Reduction Program)- weatherization assistance for customers who meet income and consumption requirements
CARES (Customer Assistance Referral Evaluation Services)- payment arrangements and assistance referrals for customers facing hardships
Neighbor For Neighbor Heat Fund- helps customers, who are having difficulty paying bills and who meet one of the following criteria: at least 55 years old, disabled, have a certified medical condition, or receiving unemployment benefits, meet basic energy needs
In addition, LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, opens on Monday, Nov. 2. 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 LIHEAPhelps.com or contact 1-877-443-2743.
National Fuel cautions customers that gas leaks can be serious and to leave the premises and call 1-800-444-3130 when a rotten-egg natural-gas smell is present. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit www.nationalfuelgas.com/forhome/gassafety.aspx.
National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation is the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company, a diversified energy company that is engaged in a number of natural gas-related activities. The Utility provides natural gas service to more than 735,000 customers in Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.nationalfuelgas.com.
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