COLUMBUS, OH – Columbia Gas of Ohio shared today that natural gas residential customers receiving their supply through default service may see a decline in winter heating bills this season compared to the previous year. Based on current market projections and assuming average winter weather, the natural gas commodity portion of a customer’s bill – a significant component of natural gas bills – is estimated to be around 25-35 percent lower in contrast to this same period in 2022. If temperatures are colder or warmer than normal, usage amounts and bills could differ.
“With the costs of many everyday items continuing to rise, we know that every bit of savings can make a difference,” said Vince Parisi, president and chief operating officer of Columbia Gas of Ohio. “The decrease in the cost of natural gas comes as good news, as we head into the winter months, when customers typically use more to heat their homes.”
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. Columbia can control some of the costs associated with maintaining service – which we work hard to manage and balance for customers – but a significant portion of a customer’s monthly natural gas bill is tied to the available market price. The cost of natural gas itself, which Columbia does not control, is passed directly through to customers with no markup by Columbia.
Several factors contribute to the anticipated decrease in the cost of natural gas this winter season. Current market prices are lower than last year due to increased production levels, lower exports due to softening European demand and filling storage at substantially lower prices than in previous years.
Columbia also wants customers to know they have options when choosing a natural gas supplier. Columbia’s role is to deliver gas to people’s homes. The option to choose relates to the supply of the natural gas itself. Columbia’s customers can receive supply through a default service mentioned above. This default service is procured for customers using a competitive auction process whereby suppliers bid for the right to sell natural gas to Columbia’s customers. Customers also can procure supplies for themselves by shopping in the competitive marketplace. This is referred to as Columbia’s CHOICE program. Customers can visit energychoice.ohio.gov to compare options between Columbia’s default price and PUCO-certified competitive suppliers.
We understand that even with an estimated decrease in market prices, customers may have trouble paying their bills. Columbia wants customers to know that payment assistance is available to those who need it. Customers in need of assistance are invited to call 1-800-344-4077 or visit Columbiagasohio.com/SaveEnergy.
We also encourage our customers to find ways to conserve energy, including winterizing their homes and purchasing energy-efficient appliances.
Everyone knows someone who may need help with their utility bills, whether an elderly neighbor, a friend or a family member. No one should worry about staying safe and warm; Columbia Gas is here to help.
About Columbia Gas of Ohio
Columbia Gas of Ohio delivers clean, affordable and efficient natural gas to approximately 1.4 million customers across the state. With headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, it is the largest natural gas utility in Ohio and one of NiSource’s six regulated utility companies. NiSource (NYSE: NI) is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.2 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers across six states through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio and NiSource is available at www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com and www.nisource.com.
