Each year, NIPSCO and other energy providers across the nation provide a forecast for home heating bills during the upcoming five-month winter heating season. Based on current market price projections for natural gas and assuming normal winter weather, NIPSCO natural gas customers can expect relatively flat bills compared to last year during the same time.
There are two primary components of natural gas bills – the cost of the natural gas itself and the cost of delivering the natural gas to customers. For the cost of natural gas itself, NIPSCO passes it directly through to customers with no markup, and the company does not profit on that portion of the bill. Before billing, natural gas commodity costs must be reviewed and approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
Over the course of the upcoming five-month winter heating season — Nov. 1 to March 31 — NIPSCO’s average natural gas residential customers using 622 therms could expect to pay approximately $390 in total. This compares to about $387 last winter.
Projections take into account market forecasts, supply trends and storage levels, and are based on normal weather projections. If temperatures are colder or warmer than normal, usage amounts and bills could differ.
To help ensure customers receive the best price for natural gas, NIPSCO purchases gas in the market from a variety of supply sources throughout the year. Gas storage is also used to help offset market price volatility. NIPSCO’s gas distribution system consists of two on-system storage facilities and connects to seven interstate pipelines providing access to major North American supply basins.
The winter bill projections provided do not relate to NIPSCO’s recent request made with the IURC in September to increase its natural gas base rates – which would be the first time an increase would be seen in more than 25 years for that portion of customer bills. That request will go through a thorough regulatory review process and any changes wouldn’t take effect until after a decision is made – expected in mid-2018.
Customers who are experiencing financial difficulties are encouraged to call NIPSCO’s 24-hour Customer Care Center as soon as possible to determine what options might be available to offer help. Some of those solutions include:
Payment Assistance Programs: Based on income levels, customers may qualify to receive state and federal utility assistance dollars as well as support funds from separate NIPSCO programs by visiting their local community action agency.
BudgetPlan: A free service to all NIPSCO customers to help manage their monthly energy bills by spreading out gas costs over an entire year.
Payment Arrangements: Allows customers to make an initial payment within four days of the agreement, then spread the remaining unpaid balance over three months, plus current bills as they are due.
For more information on billing options and payment assistance, visit NIPSCO.com/BillingPayment.
