National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel) has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission its annual adjustment to gas supply charges to become effective Nov. 1, 2024. This adjustment increases the monthly bill of a typical residential customer with an annual usage of 99,300 cubic feet of gas by $2.73, from $72.12 to $74.85.
The increase in gas supply charges is primarily due to increased market prices for natural gas. 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 Feb. 1, 2025.
National Fuel’s price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will increase to $.40159 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.
LIHEAP
On Monday, Nov. 4, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP, opens. Eligibility for this federally funded program is based on income guidelines and household size. For example, a family of four with a gross monthly income of $3,900 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.
Customer Assistance Program
National Fuel launched a new Customer Assistance Program (CAP) that offers customers affordable monthly payments and the opportunity to have outstanding balances forgiven at the time of enrollment. CAP is available to residential customers with a household income equal to or less than 150% of federal poverty income guidelines. Customers who are eligible for LIHEAP also will be eligible for CAP. To apply, visit www.nationalfuel.com/applycap. National Fuel customers who are having trouble paying their bills should call 1-800-365-3234 to learn more about CAP and other programs and services.
Smell gas? Leave fast!
As always, if you smell gas, leave fast! If a rotten-egg natural gas odor is present, leave the premises immediately and call National Fuel’s emergency line, 1-800-444-3130, from a different location. If you smell gas outdoors, leave the area immediately, call National Fuel’s emergency number and provide the address nearest to the site of the odor. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit www.nationalfuel.com/utility/gas-safety/.