Citizens Gas Projects Slightly Higher May Bills

INDIANAPOLIS – Citizens Gas projects that the typical residential heating bill for May (received in June) will be about $2 more than May 2009. Assuming normal weather, the typical residential heating bill for May will be about $38, compared to about $36 in May 2009.

The projections are part of the utility’s monthly Gas Cost Adjustment (GCA) filing with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). Citizens Gas makes the filings to account for changes in the price of gas it purchases for its customers. The cost of natural gas makes up about three-fourths of a customer’s bill with the remaining fourth being delivery costs. In accordance with state law, Citizens Gas customers pay exactly what the company pays for the natural gas delivered to them.

Customers falling behind on their bill are urged to call Citizens Gas at 924-3311. The company works with customers to establish flexible payment arrangements to help them catch up on past due bills.

Citizens Gas also suggests customers take the following steps to help manage their gas bills:

• Change your furnace filter - Changing filter regularly will ensure your furnace is operating efficiently.
• Sign up for the Budget Plan - Budget billing divides a customer’s annual gas bill into 12 equal monthly payments.
• Go to CitizensEnergySavers.com – Website offers for a full range of energy saving tools, including cash rebates toward the purchase of high efficiency natural gas appliances, and the Citizens Home Energy Advisor, which provides a list of energy saving suggestions through a free online energy audit.

To help minimize the impact of sudden changes in wholesale natural gas prices, Citizens Gas utilizes a hedging strategy to purchase most of its gas supply during periods of low demand. Citizens Gas also stores gas in underground storage fields during the summer for use during the winter. Citizens Gas’ rates are among the bottom third of gas companies operating in Indiana, according to figures compiled by the IURC.

Average Residential Heating Bill Comparisons Projections Assume Normal Weather

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