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 Feb. 1, 2024. This adjustment lowers the monthly bill of a typical residential customer with an annual usage of 99,000 cubic feet of gas by $3.26, from $70.53 to $67.27.
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 May 1, 2024.
National Fuel’s price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will decrease to $0.32444 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.
Customer Payment Assistance
LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is open. Eligibility for this federally funded program is based on income guidelines and household size. For example, a
family of four with a gross annual income of $45,000 may qualify for a grant. Monies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, visit
www.LIHEAPhelps.com or contact 1-877-443-2743.
National Fuel customers who are having trouble paying their bills should call 1-800-365-3234 to learn more about payment assistance programs and services, including:
- 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- customers who are having difficulty paying bills may receive a grant if they meet one of the following criteria: fall between 0-200% of the federal poverty level, at least 55 years old, a veteran, disabled, have a certified medical condition or are receiving unemployment benefits.