Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
At a news conference in Warsaw Wednesday, Mark Maassel, president, Northern Indiana Public Service Co., announced that that this winter's natural gas bills are expected to be comparable to last winter.
Expectations are based on predictions that winter temperatures will be normal and similar to those experienced in 2003.
Average monthly gas costs are estimated to be $181.60 this year, compared to $181.30 last year.
Maassel said, "Natural gas costs remained at a fairly constant level over the summer while we replenished our storage reserves to prepare for this winter. We will meet our customers' need for safe, reliable natural gas again this winter."
NIPSCO purchases natural gas in advance for storage as well as negotiating prices and contracting for additional gas at a fixed price that doesn't fluctuate with the market. Therefore, their prices have not been affected by the recent spike in oil and gas prices.
There are two factors which could cause natural gas bills to be higher than expected. Colder than expected temperatures would cause increased consumption. That increased use could necessitate NIPSCO purchasing additional gas at a higher price than originally purchased and contract prices.
Maassel also announced the company will reduce deposits to $300 for low-income customers seeking gas service before winter temperatures arrive. The $300 would be required up front, but qualifying customers can enter into a payment agreement for the amount of deposit more than $300.
Limited deposit amounts are a component of NIPSCO's Winter Warmth program that was filed in late September with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The program also would provide additional assistance to low-income customers eligible for Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program dollars.
The Winter Warmth program cannot be fully implemented until NIPSCO receives regulatory approval.
In addition to offering and administering assistance programs, NIPSCO offers billing and payment options to remove monthly bill fluctuations and price or weather uncertainty.
• BudgetPlan - Pay the same amount each month for your bill. The amount is based on past energy use and estimated future prices. The plan includes a settle-up at the end of each BudgetPlan year, and the budget payment periodically will be adjusted to cover any amounts over or under what has been paid.
• Price Protection Service -ÊLock in a set price for natural gas. This option avoids pricing uncertainties and avoids changes in the natural gas market. The amount of the bill will change due to varying usage, but the price per unit stays the same.
• DependaBill -ÊPay the same amount each month regardless of weather or price changes for a 12-month period. The amount is predetermined, totally guaranteed and is based on individual usage, historic temperature and anticipated future gas prices and includes all required program fees. There is never a balance or settle up; with no settle up, there are no refunds for overpayment.
• Choice - Choose a qualified supplier other than NIPSCO to be the provider of natural gas. This option allows shopping for the best gas supply choice. Gas still is delivered by NIPSCO.
For more information on how to conserve energy, NIPSCO offers the booklet "99 Ways to Conserve Energy," which will be mailed free to customers. NIPSCO also offers a variety of ways to pay bills. For more information about billing and payment options or to request the booklet, call 800-4-NIPSCO (800-464-7726) or visit www.nipsco.com
Consumer information on natural gas prices and managing utility bills also is available from the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at 888-441-2494 or www.in.gov/oucc The IURC may be contacted at 800-851-4268 or www.in.gov/iurc
