As the winter heating season begins, Black Hills Energy is urging customers to plan now for the impacts of higher natural gas prices.
“Just as commodity prices are rising globally on many items ranging from the bacon in our breakfast to the cotton in our clothes, the same is true for the increase in market prices for the energy used to warm our homes during the coldest months of the year,” says spokesperson Brandy Johnson.
Black Hills Energy estimates that residential natural gas customers should plan for an increase of approximately 58% for the cost of natural gas compared to last winter, based on analysis of typical winter weather, market conditions and current natural gas price forecasts.
The cost of natural gas is a pass-through cost and Black Hills Energy does not make money on natural gas, even when prices increase.
Customers who may need help paying their monthly bill can also reach out to Black Hills Energy to connect with a local energy assistance partner agency. Black Hills Energy customers can consider options like Budget Billing, a payment plan that averages the amount owed each month.
This budget option supports customers looking to avoid the seasonal variances in bills by averaging out their usage over a 12-month period.