Woman working on a laptop in her kitchen.
Columbia Gas of Maryland announced today that natural gas residential customers could expect to see a decline in their winter heating bills this season compared to the previous year. Based on current market projections and assuming normal winter weather, the natural gas commodity portion of a customer’s bill – which is a significant component of natural gas bills – is estimated to be nearly 50 percent lower in contrast to this same period in 2022. If temperatures are colder or warmer than normal, usage amounts and bills could differ.
“With the costs of many everyday items continuing to rise, we know that every bit of savings can make a difference,” said Mark Kempic, Columbia Gas of Maryland president and chief operating officer. “The decrease in the cost of the natural gas comes as good news as we head into the winter months, when customers are typically using more to heat their homes.”
There are two primary components of natural gas bills – the cost of the natural gas itself, and the cost of delivering the natural gas to customers. The delivery costs, also called base rates, cover the costs associated with providing 24/7 service, emergency response, as well as the necessary costs to maintain, upgrade, and operate Columbia Gas’s natural gas delivery system. This system includes approximately 5,400 miles of pipelines, regulator stations, meters, and other facilities.
Columbia Gas does not control the cost of natural gas itself, which is largely dependent upon market prices. The company passes this cost directly through to customers with no markup and does not profit on that portion of the bill. Natural gas commodity costs must be reviewed and approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission.
There are several factors contributing to the anticipated decrease in the cost of natural gas itself this winter season. Current market prices are lower than last year due to increased production levels, lower exports due to softening European demand, and filling storage at substantially lower prices than previous years.
“Even with the estimated decrease in market prices for natural gas, we know there are times when it may be difficult for some customers to pay their utility bills,” added Kempic. “We urge any customer, regardless of their situation, to contact us to explore the wide array of programs and options that can be utilized to keep customers connected.”
Among the programs available to help customers, include:
Payment Plans: Flexible payment plans are available to help spread the balance due on natural gas bills across multiple months. We’ve made it easy to enroll by visiting www.ColumbiaGasMD.com/PaymentPlans or calling us at 1-888-460-4332.
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): Columbia Gas serves as a link to federal energy assistance funds which provide help with residential heating costs. These energy grants do not have to be repaid by the customer. Enrollment guidelines, which are revised each new heating season, are based on household size and income. MEAP applications are accepted year-round.
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP): USPP protects families with low incomes from utility cut-offs and allows MEAP eligible households to enter into a monthly payment program to help stabilize energy bills. MEAP grants are deducted from the estimated annual utility bills, lowering monthly budget payments. For households with back bills, special agreements with Columbia Gas are available to arrange for payment on the balance.
Heat Share: The Columbia Gas of Maryland Fuel Fund provides energy grants to customers with low incomes for use in offsetting arrears or restoring service to terminated accounts. Heat Share funds are only available to customers who have exhausted all other available energy assistance programs.
For more information on billing options and payment assistance, visit www.ColumbiaGasMD.com/Assistance or call 1-800-272-2714 to speak with a Columbia Gas representative.
As always, Columbia Gas encourages customers to be as efficient as they can when it comes to their energy consumption. Tips and information about available programs can be found at www.ColumbiaGasMD.com/Energy-Efficiency.
