Columbia Gas Bills Expected to Increase this Winter

Increased demand for natural gas with the return of cold temperatures is driving a slight increase in prices, according to Columbia Gas.

Consumers have enjoyed low gas bills in recent months between of historical low gas prices and the mild 2011-2012 winter, but this winter is projected to be different, gas company officials said in a release.

The increase is expected be small: Columbia Gas officials predict the typical residential customer consuming 100 Ccf of natural gas each month can expect a total monthly bill of $123.09 this year. That's compared to $120.35 last winter.

“The current abundance of domestic American natural gas is providing
our  customers  the  benefit  of  affordable  prices  today  and  into  the
foreseeable   future,”  said  Carl  Levander, president of Columbia Gas.

“We encourage  our  customers  to  use  energy  wisely  by  taking advantage of WarmWise, our energy efficiency and conservation program, which offers cash rebates," Levander said.

Columbia Gas also passes on these cost saving tips to their customers:

•    Enroll in the free Budget Payment Plan
•    Perform furnace maintenance
•    Install caulking or weather-stripping around windows or doors
•    Keep  all  registers  and air return ducts clear of furniture, carpet, drapes and vacuum them occasionally
•    Add insulation to the attic or crawl spaces
•    Install a programmable thermostat

The company's quarterly purchased gas cost adjustment is approved by the
Virginia State Corporation Commission and reflects the combined effects of the
projected cost of natural gas for this month, January and February.

By  law, utility companies like Columbia Gas are required to pass on the
costs they pay for natural gas to the consumer on a dollar for dollar basis
without markup.