Indianapolis
– Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana, a CenterPoint Energy company, announced Tuesday customers should expect a decrease of 5 to 10% in their natural gas bills when compared to those of last winter, assuming normal winter weather year-over-year.
Low and stable natural gas prices continue to help customers’ bill amounts remain affordable, according to Vectren
This year, based upon expected natural gas commodity costs and normal winter weather, customers can expect to pay $440 to $450 over the five-month heating season of November through March based on the average household consumption of approximately 670 therms.
By comparison, last year’s average bill amount for the 5-month period was around $490.
Vectren officials noted it is important to remember bills will vary by customer depending on the size and age of the home, number of gas appliances, number in the household, thermostat settings and levels of insulation.
“While
we experienced colder-than-normal temperatures late in the winter season,
overall last winter brought fairly normal weather to our area. In the event we
experience normal winter weather this heating season, coupled with stable gas prices,
customers should see a decrease in their bills,” said Richard Leger, vice
president of Natural Gas Distribution, Indiana and Ohio.
Customers are encouraged to still implement energy efficiency measures and find ways to use less natural gas to lower bills even further.
“If
customers are experiencing financial hardship and get behind on payments or are
in need of financial assistance, there are several options to help manage costs
and we encourage them to make contact,” said Leger. “Local community action
agencies can further provide assistance and customers should call today and
apply for financial and/or home weatherization assistance if needed.”
Vectren
North delivers natural gas to approximately 578,000 customers in Adams, Allen,
Bartholomew, Blackford, Boone, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Decatur, Delaware,
Fayette, Floyd, Fountain, Grant, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry,
Huntington, Jackson, Jay, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Madison, Marion,
Martin, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Orange, Owen, Parke, Putnam,
Randolph, Rush, Shelby, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Vermillion, Vigo, Wabash, Warren,
Wayne, Wells and White counties.
