Natural Gas Prices Drop VNG Says Be Prepared for Cold Weather September 7, 2001
Virginia Natural Gas announced today they expect the cost of natural gas supplies during the 2001-2002 heating season to be lower than costs last year. A typical customer will see October and November bills drop about 10 percent compared to last year. The savings in December is projected to be about 18 percent.
“Wellhead gas prices have declined throughout this summer and are below the prices seen this time last year,” said Hank Linginfelter, VNG president. “We expect this trend to continue into the upcoming winter, and we are optimistic gas bills this winter will not be a repeat of last year.”
In July 2000 natural gas prices spiked as a result of high demand for electric generation for air conditioning and continued to rise due to increased demand during a colder than normal winter heating season -- resulting in very high gas bills for customers.
While the outlook is favorable for lower prices and lower bills, many factors, such as the weather, can still affect commodity prices over the next six months. VNG encourages customers to prepare for cold weather. Even with lower prices, another cold winter could cause furnaces to burn more gas than usual resulting in higher than normal bills.
Here are two important steps customers can take to prepare for cold weather:
- Have natural gas appliances inspected to be sure they are in good working condition and will perform efficiently. For a list of a Qualified Gas Contractors in your neighborhood, call the VNG Gas Advantage Line 1-800-427-8876.
- Weatherize your home. VNG, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, offers customers who qualify help to caulk, weather strip, insulate and repair or replace heating/cooling and duct systems through the Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program.
Hotline numbers are:
Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Suffolk, Virginia Beach – (757) 858-1397
James City County, Newport News, York County – (757) 229-9332
Charles City, Hanover, New Kent Counties – (804) 233-2827
Essex, Gloucester, King & Queen, King William, Mathews – (804) 758-2386.