NIPSCO: Gas Prices Down, Usage Up
NIPSCO is forecasting slightly lower gas bills this winter if usage remains the same as a year ago, but the utility company is also projecting higher usage due to colder temperatures.
Northern Indiana Public Service Co. forecasts its typical gas customer will save about $2 for the same amount of gas they used last year. Over the course of the five-month winter heating season – which begins Nov. 1 and continues to March 31, – NIPSCO predicts their average residential customer using a total of 624 therms can expect to pay about $438. That compares to $440 last winter and is said to be among the lowest rates in a decade.
The good news, however, is likely to be overshadowed by the U.S. Energy Information Agency prediction that most U.S. households will use more energy for heat this winter because temperatures will be lower compared to last winter. NIPSCO is also forecasting higher usage.
For the 11th straight month, NIPSCO reported the lowest residential gas bills in Indiana, according to bill comparisons released in October by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.