The Kentucky Public Service Commission says customers should have smaller heating bill this year, due to lower wholesale natural gas prices. It estimates that customers will pay about 39% less this November than last year. In a press release, PSC Chairman David Armstrong says, "Furthermore, there is reason to think that we may see relatively stable prices for the next several years."
Wholesale prices are the largest portion of retail gas bills during the heating season, and they are at their lowest levels in six years, the commission says. Also, plenty of natural gas has already been stored, which should assure adequate supplies barring extremely cold weather.
But Armstrong also says, "Lower energy prices do not negate the wisdom of taking steps that will reduce energy consumption in the long term. Consumers would be wise to turn some of their immediate savings into permanent investments in weatherization and other measures that will pay off in coming years."
"Do not delay looking for assistance until a difficulty has become a crisis," Armstrong says. "Now is the time to take the necessary steps if you think that you may need help paying your heating bill this winter."
From the Kentucky Public Service Commission: COPING WITH HOME HEATING COSTS
Information for consumers
Kentucky consumers can take a number of steps to reduce their natural gas usage or to soften the impact of gas costs. They include:
Budget billing: This option allows customers to pay the same amount each month, based on their average monthly usage during the year. Customers should contact their utility for more information.
Energy conservation measures: Simple steps such as turning down thermostats on furnaces (most people are comfortable at 68 degrees) and water heaters (120 degrees is hot enough for nearly all uses) can be big energy savers.
Energy audits: Many local utilities offer home energy audits at little or no cost to consumers. These audits can identify energy-wasting trouble spots and provide information on how to correct the problems.
Weatherization: Consumers can do a number of things to reduce inflows of cold air and leakage of warm air, particularly around windows and doors. Some basic weatherization steps include:
- Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal cracks around windows, doors, pipes and other points where cold air can enter the home. This alone can reduce heating costs by 10 percent or more.
- Federal and state tax credits are available for installing energy-efficient doors and windows
- Add insulation in attics, crawl spaces and walls.
- Cover windows, especially those with single-pane glass, with storm windows or plastic sheeting before the onset of cold weather.
- Clean or replace furnace filters monthly to improve airflow and efficiency.
Advice on conserving energy, including links to a wide range of information, also is available from the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence on the Web at: http://www.energy.ky.gov/dre3/.
Weatherization assistance for low-income families is available in Kentucky. Many utilities offer weatherization assistance in conjunction with local social service agencies. Local social service agencies also offer assistance through a state program administered by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. For information on weatherization assistance, go to:
http://www.communityactionky.org/WhatWeDo/EnergyAssistance/Weatherization/tabid/356/Default.aspx
Low-income consumers may qualify for assistance with their heating bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). It is administered at the local level by community action agencies. Consumers who do not qualify for LIHEAP may be eligible for assistance through programs sponsored by their utility company or programs operated by local social service organizations. Consumers should contact their utility for more information. Information about LIHEAP is available on the Web at:
http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dfs/LIHEAP.htm
For general information about cutting heating costs, utility issues or for assistance with resolving consumer disputes with utilities, contact the PSC by calling 800-772-4636 or go to the PSC Web site at:
http://psc.ky.gov
The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Energy and Environment Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in Kentucky and has approximately 100 employees.
