National Fuel projects charge decrease next winter

From staff reports

National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. projects a decrease in overall supply charges for gas purchases to be made between Aug. 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023.

According to a National Fuel news release, the company anticipates a decrease in overall gas supply charges, totaling about $111.87 per year in this state-required filing.

The company has submitted its required annual Purchased Gas Cost projection to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the release said. If approved as filed, the monthly bill for a typical residential customer starting in August 2022 would decrease from $86.35 to $77.03 per month, or by 10.80%.

The primary reason for the forecasted decrease in gas supply charges is costs associated with the purchase and transmission of natural gas are projected to be lower than those reflected in current rates, the release said.

Additionally, upon approval, pricing will be adjusted quarterly to reflect current market prices, according to the release.

National Fuel, the release said, is required by law to shop for the most reasonably priced gas while maintaining an adequate supply for about 200,000 Pennsylvania customers.

As market prices fluctuate, National Fuel is required to pass those changes to customers, without mark-up or discount, according to the release. This differs from delivery service charges.