NATIONAL FUEL LOWERS GAS SUPPLY CHARGES FOR CUSTOMERS IN PENNSYLVANIA

(Oct. 31, 2014) Erie, Pa. - The Pennsylvania division of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel) has announced a quarterly adjustment to Gas Supply Charges effective Nov. 1, 2014. This adjustment will lower the monthly bill of a typical residential customer in northwestern Pennsylvania by
$6.89, from $76.87 to $69.98, or by 8.96 percent.
"This adjustment to gas supply charges reflects a decline in the market price of gas since the company lowered gas costs on Aug. 1," said Sandra James, Director of Corporate Communications.
As is the practice for all Pennsylvania utilities, National Fuel projects annual natural gas prices and then performs quarterly reconciliations of actual costs against what had been estimated. National Fuel is required by law to pass any increase or decrease in gas supply charges on to customers with no mark-up or profit.
"Over the past few years, customers have benefited from declining gas costs going into the heating season," James added. "Winter bills are typically higher due to increased consumption. The good news is that customers will again be paying less for the commodity as colder weather approaches."
This is due, in part, to increased production of Marcellus Shale gas. Customers can be assured that a steady supply of natural gas and the gas supplies stored by the company in preparation for winter will more than meet heating demands this winter.
Pennsylvania utility companies are permitted to update gas supply charges on a quarterly basis to reflect actual changes in market prices and to pass these costs on to customers. Customers are reminded that the gas supply charge also includes charges the company must pay to transport and store gas for its customers. As a result, the gas supply charge on a customer's bill will never exactly match the spot market price of gas, which reflects only the current daily price of the commodity.
Residential customers who are comparing the Utility costs to offers from other natural gas suppliers will want to note that this brings National Fuel's residential 'Price to Compare' to $.47265 per hundred cubic feet.
Utility companies do not set the market price of natural gas, but are required to pass these costs on to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis through the gas supply charge. This differs from the delivery service charge, which represents the utility's cost of doing business and providing safe, reliable service to customers. These delivery service charges are also regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and have not changed since January 2007.

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National Fuel offers a number of programs to help those who are having trouble paying their bills and advises customers to contact a customer assistance representative to discuss their situation and receive information about any of the following assistance programs:

• Budget Plan is a way for customers to have level, predictable monthly gas payments and helps customers stabilize their monthly heating bill for the year.

• LIRA (Low-Income Residential Assistance Program) offers stable bills, reduced rates, and debt forgiveness.

• LIURP (Low Income Usage Reduction Program) offers weatherization assistance for customers that

have high usage and meet other requirements.

• CARES (Customer Assistance Referral Evaluation Services) can help qualifying customers facing extreme hardships with payment arrangements and assistance referrals.

• Deferred Payment Agreement allows for the potential to negotiate a payment plan in the event of a

problem or special circumstance.

• Neighbor For Neighbor Heat Fund is open year round and helps qualified customers meet basic energy needs. To be eligible, you must be at least 55 years old, or disabled, or currently receiving

unemployment benefits, or have a certified medical condition and difficulty paying your bills.
In addition, LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, opens on Monday, Nov. 3,
2014. This federally funded program accepts applications based on income guidelines and monies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, visit LIHEAPhelps.com or
contact 1-877-443-2743.
To find out more about any of these programs, customers can call National Fuel at 1-800-365-3234 or visit the Company's website at www.nationalfuelgas.com.
National Fuel serves approximately 214,000 customers in 14 counties in northwestern
Pennsylvania.

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