National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel) has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission its quarterly adjustment to gas supply charges to become effective May 1, 2023. This adjustment decreases the monthly bill of a typical residential customer with annual usage of 102,800 cubic feet of gas by $4.52, from $97.19 to $92.67.
The rate adjustment is primarily due to lower market prices for natural gas, which have decreased the cost of natural gas supplies that National Fuel purchases for customers. 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 Aug. 1, 2023.
National Fuel’s price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will decrease to $0.69464 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.
National Fuel customers who are having trouble paying their bills are encouraged to call 1-800-365-3234.
LIHEAP is open until May 12, 2023. A family of four with an annual income of $41,625 or less may qualify for a grant. Grant eligibility is based on income guidelines and household size and grants range from $300 to $1,000. Crisis grants up to $2,000 are available to customers who have an overdue balance and have received a termination notice or who do not have gas service. For more information, visit www.LIHEAPhelps.com or contact 1-877-443-2743.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) remains open for eligible customers in some Pennsylvania counties. ERAP helps renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic receive assistance with paying past and future utility bills. ERAP has higher income eligibility than LIHEAP. Visit www.dhs.pa.gov/coronavirus/Pages/Emergency-Rental-Assistance-Program.aspx or call 211 for more information.
Other payment assistance programs include:
- Budget Plan- allows predictable monthly gas bills and stabilized heating payments for the year.
- Deferred Payment Arrangement- customers can negotiate a payment plan in the event of a problem or special circumstance.
- LIRA (Low-Income Residential Assistance Program)- offers reduced-rate monthly bills and debt forgiveness.
- LIURP (Low Income Usage Reduction Program)- offers weatherization assistance for customers who meet income and consumption requirements.
- CARES (Customer Assistance Referral Evaluation Services)- offers 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, a veteran, disabled, have a certified medical condition, receiving unemployment benefits or whose household income falls below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.