READING - UGI Central Penn Gas (UGI) announced that its purchased gas cost rates will decrease June 1. As a result, the average residential heating customer's bill will decrease by approximately 1.6 percent. UGI will also submit its Dec. 1 natural gas cost rate projection in an annual filing with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). At this time, UGI projects no additional change from the rates implemented June 1.
"Nearly 90 percent of UGI's natural gas supplies now come from locally produced Marcellus shale, and our customers are benefitting from this plentiful, reliable supply," Paul Szykman, vice president of rates at UGI, said. "The seven-year trend of moderating gas prices continues despite a second consecutive winter of below-normal temperatures and related record, or near-record, customer demand." UGI is required to file its gas cost rates annually for review with the PUC and may adjust these rates quarterly to reflect changes in wholesale natural gas prices. By law, utilities cannot earn a profit on the natural gas commodity portion of a customer's bill.
Utilities are required to pass the cost of the natural gas they purchase directly through to customers without any markup.
Beginning June 1, the bill for a typical residential heating customer who uses about 68.4 hundred cubic feet (ccf) of natural gas per month will decrease from $80.27 to $78.95.
The bill for a typical commercial retail customer using 23.7 thousand cubic feet (Mcf) per month will decrease from $192.41 per month to $187.91 on June 1. The bill for a typical industrial retail customer using 154.6 Mcf per month will decrease from $1,086.82 per month to $1,057.51 on June 1. Customers may call UGI at 1-800-652-0550 to receive further information on the proposed rates or to find out what actions they may take. UGI encourages customers to use energy wisely and make efficiency improvements in their homes. All customers are encouraged to sign up for UGI's free budget billing program, which spreads bills out over a 12-month period. Customers with a limited or fixed income should call UGI at 1-800-UGI-WARM to determine if they are eligible for one of several energy assistance programs.
Any customer who is behind on their gas bills should contact the utility as soon as possible to discuss a payment arrangement.