National Fuel Gas : Adjusts Gas Supply Charges in Pennsylvania

National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel) has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission its quarterly adjustment to gas supply charges to become effective May 1, 2022. This adjustment increases the monthly bill of a typical residential customer with annual usage of 101,100 cubic feet of gas by $3.36, from $82.56 to $85.92.

The rate adjustment is primarily due to higher market prices for natural gas, which have increased the cost of natural gas supplies that National Fuel purchases for customers. 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 Aug. 1, 2022.

While gas prices are trending higher compared to recent years, National Fuel's purchasing strategy and use of storage gas helps to limit volatility or price spikes.

National Fuel's price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will increase to $0.64307 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.

As the result of cost-containment efforts and efficient management, National Fuel has not sought to increase the delivery service charges paid by its residential customers since 2006, even while consistent investments in pipeline safety and system modernization have continued.

National Fuel customers who are having trouble paying their bills are encouraged to call 1-800-365-3234.

LIHEAP has been extended and now is open through May 20. A family of four with an annual income of $39,750 or less may qualify for a grant. Eligibility is based on income guidelines and household size. Crisis grants also are available for customers with an overdue balance or who do not currently have gas service. For more information, visit www.LIHEAPhelps.com or contact 1-877-443-2743.

The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) is open. PAHAF supports Pennsylvania homeowners experiencing financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and whose household income is at or below 150% of the area median income. PAHAF funds help to prevent mortgage-related issues and utility disconnections. Homeowners should visit www.pahaf.org to learn more.

Call Before You Dig
This spring, National Fuel is reminding homeowners and professional contractors to Call Before You Dig. Pennsylvania state law requires residents to call 811 - a free service - before digging in order to prevent accidental damage to underground utility lines. Pennsylvania homeownersand contractors should call 811 at least three and no more than 10 business days in advance of the start of projects to have line locations marked for free. It's a fast, easy way to be safe and protect those within the vicinity of the project.

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/.