Average Natural Gas Bill Has Declined More than 40 Percent Since 2009
INDIANAPOLIS – Citizens Energy Group today projected a small decline in the average natural gas heating bill for the November-through-March winter season. Assuming temperatures are normal, Citizens estimates that the average natural gas bill will be approximately $480 for the winter-heating season, about $7 less than last year.
Due primarily to lower natural gas prices, the average annual residential gas bill of Citizens customers has declined more than 40 percent, or more than $500 per year since 2009. Citizens has leveraged lower natural gas prices through long-term supply contracts that provide discounts to market prices.
“Natural gas continues to be a very affordable and safe heating option for our customers,” said Jeffrey Harrison, President and CEO of Citizens Energy Group. “Our long-term gas supply agreements continue to provide additional savings for our customers.”
During the 2017-2018 winter heating season, Citizens’ average residential natural gas bill ranked 15th or 16th lowest among the 18 gas utilities operating in the state, according to a monthly survey done by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Citizens’ average annual natural gas bill is now the fifth lowest among 20 snow belt cities located in the eastern half of the U.S.
“While natural gas is very affordable, we recognize many low-income customers are having difficulty paying their heating bills. That’s why we are prepared to help customers in need by directing them to sources of assistance, including our Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation, which each year helps hundreds of customers in need,” said Harrison.
Marion County residents in need of energy assistance should call Connect2Help at 211 or visit IndyEap.org to see if they qualify for the Energy Assistance Program or a variety of other household assistance programs. Customers outside Marion County should call their local community action agency. If customers are falling behind on their bill, they are urged to call Citizens at 317-924-3311.
Citizens recommends all customers enroll in the Budget Plan to help manage utility costs and spread payments over 12 months. To be eligible for the Budget Plan, customers are required to be current on their bill and have a good payment history. To inquire about eligibility or request a budget quote, customers can visit CitizensEnergyGroup.com or call 317-924-3311.
One of the best ways to reduce the cost of utility bills is by conserving energy. Energy-conservation tips include:
- Replace your furnace filter: Changing your furnace filter once a month helps your furnace work more efficiently.
- Dial down your thermostat: A 10-degree reduction for an 8-hour period each day will reduce your heating bill 10 percent.
- Dial down your water heater: A 10-degree reduction in water temperature saves 5 percent on energy costs.
About Citizens Energy Group
Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 900,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities for the benefit of customers and the community.
Media Contact Information
Daniel Considine
Phone: 317-519-1515
Email: media@citizensenergygroup.com