f5681ab0-a388-4979-b02b-8a6ace69299a.pdf
PO BOX 2081 / 1100 STATE STREET / ERIE, PA 16512
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional information, please contact:
Carly Manino, 814-460-7587
National Fuel Projects Next Winter's Purchased Gas Cost for Pennsylvania Customers
Erie, Pa., Dec. 31, 2015 - National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) its required annual Purchased Gas Cost projection for gas purchases to be made Aug. 1, 2016, through July 31, 2017. The company is projecting an increase in overall gas supply charges totaling approximately $85.56 per year in this state-required filing. If approved as filed, the monthly bill for a typical residential customer starting in August 2016, would increase $7.13 from $59.47 to $66.60 per month or by 11.99 percent. The primary reason for this forecasted increase in gas supply charges is that costs associated with the purchase and transmission of natural gas are projected to be higher than those reflected in current rates. While future market prices are forecasted to increase, the projected bills are still below those reflected in rates at the start of last winter (November 2014-January 2015).
Customers are advised that this forecast is for prices to be experienced next winter (2016-17) and must be thoroughly reviewed and approved by the PUC before becoming effective. Additionally, upon approval, pricing will be adjusted quarterly to reflect actual and more current market prices.
National Fuel is required by law to shop for the most reasonably priced gas while still maintaining an adequate supply for more than 200,000 Pennsylvania customers. As market prices fluctuate, National Fuel is required to pass those changes to customers, without any mark-up or discount. This differs from delivery service charges, which reflect the company's costs of doing business (including costs associated with installing and maintaining the local pipeline delivery system), and are determined by the PUC.
Winter weather and colder temperatures can result in bills that present a hardship for some customers. Customers having trouble paying bills should call National Fuel Customer Service, 1-800-365-3234, to discuss payment assistance programs.
National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation is the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company, a diversified energy company that is engaged in a number of natural gas-related activities. The Utility provides natural gas service to more than 735,000 customers in Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.nationalfuelgas.com.
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