SPRINGFIELD, Mo (KY3) – Refrigerating weather conditions have generated high demand for natural gas supplies in the Springfield region, according to City Utilities.
According to City Utilities, natural gas wells freeze in the southwest, resulting in a limited supply. In response, suppliers are expected to increase the prices of the remaining natural gas supplies.
“This is an unprecedented weather event that affects not only all of our customers, but also natural gas consumers throughout the Midwest,” said Gary Gibson, CEO and CEO of City Utilities of Springfield, “the our priority with all the services we provide is to keep our customers safe and assured that we are doing our best during this serious winter event ”.
Costs have risen from a market price of $ 3 per dekatherm to nearly $ 400 per dekatherm, City Utilities said Sunday in a press release.
Although the CU acquires less than 25% of its natural gas supply to the market, this situation is likely to have an impact on future utility bills. The rest of the natural gas for City Utilities customers comes from fixed-price contracts and storage, which are purchased out of season.
In preparation for the cold weather, City Utilities has initiated a natural gas reduction agreement with several commercial and industrial customers who have the option of switching from natural gas to an alternative fuel source. This option immediately redirects supply to residential and other commercial customers and will be in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday, but can be extended.
In addition, City Utilities activated the natural gas peak shaving system that combines a supply of propane and air and is injected into the natural gas transmission system to help with this maximum demand. This will be the first time this system has been used and launched for this event.
“We are asking our community to work together, as we have done so many times in the past, to overcome this maximum period with the least possible impact,” Gibson said. “We have already seen volunteer companies to reduce their use and we are asking everyone to do the same.”
Here are some steps you can take to help reduce the impact of this climate on your utility bill:
• Turn the thermostat off at least 2 degrees from the normal setting. 68 degrees is the suggested average setting for winter.
• Limit the use of natural gas fireplaces.
• Limit the use of plug-in electric heaters.
• Lower the temperature setting of your water heater.
• Look for other opportunities in your home to reduce the use of electricity and natural gas during this short period
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