Natural Gas Winter Costs Reduced for Columbia Gas of Massachusetts Customers
Winter heating bills reduced nearly 11%
Westborough, MA., February 1, 2012 - Good news for Columbia Gas of Massachusetts customers. Effective February 1, the winter rates for natural gas will reduce a typical residential customer’s total heating bill over the next three months by nearly 11%.
The reduction is a result of lower natural gas commodity costs. Natural gas is sold in a unit measurement called a “therm,” equivalent to 100,000 British thermal units (BTU) of energy. The rate reduction of $0.1378 per therm would save a natural gas heating customer using 160 therms of gas in February $22.
“Lower gas bills in the middle of the winter is great news for the many families who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Steve Bryant, president of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts. “Natural gas prices have remained stable for the last few years, and today’s cost to customers is as low as nearly ten years ago. That is a claim we are proud to announce to our customers.”
“We watched as President Obama outlined our nation’s challenges in his most recent state of the union address. It has never been clearer that natural gas is the right fuel in the right place at the right time. We were pleased about the President’s recognition of the many advantages of natural gas, including its unique position as the domestic energy source as we strive for energy independence,” continued Bryant. “Natural gas is clean energy that proves we don’t have to choose between our environment and our economy.”
Energy Efficiency and Bill Payment Assistance
Energy efficiency is still a proven way to save energy and money for years to come. Columbia Gas energy efficiency programs provide information and financial incentives to help customers take control of energy costs by installing high-efficiency heating and water heating equipment, programmable thermostats, insulation and more.
Columbia Gas also offers customers assistance with paying bills through budget payment plans, information on various heating assistance resources, and discounted natural gas rates for qualified low-income customers.
“Help is available for customers struggling to cope with household finances and winter heating bills. If customers are having trouble paying their bill, we urge them to call right away and not wait until their balance becomes overwhelming—or worse, simply ignore it,” said Bryant.
Columbia Gas of Massachusetts can be reached at 1-800-882-5454 or by visiting www.ColumbiaGasMA.com.
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