UGI Announces Natural Gas Bill Increase on May, 17th 2013

If you live in Central Pennsylvania and use natural gas to heat your home, water, or to cook with, then you probably purchase your natural gas from UGI. They are a large supplier of natural gas to many homes in the Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and surrounding areas.

On Friday, May 17th UGI announced that their residential, commercial and industrial natural gas customers will see a rate increase effective June 1, 2013. UGI explains that the increase is due to the higher demand for natural gas from the lower winter temperatures during the 2012-13 winter, and the improving U.S. economy.

UGI is also filing a request with the Public Utility Commission of Pennsylvania to raise the gas costs rates on December, 1 2013, which would set another price increase for UGI gas customers if approved.

What do these increases mean?

According to the news release from UGI (read it here), the average residential customer who uses about 68.4 hundred cubic feet of gas per month can see an increase from $90.02/month to $96.20/month in June and $99.61/month in December. Commercial and industrial customers can expect the same increases of 6.9 % in June and 3.6% in December.

How can you lower your natural gas bill?

Since it seems like gasoline, natural gas, electric, and water utility rates are always on the increase, we have dedicated ourselves to providing you with the highest efficiency, most reliable HVAC equipment possible. And when high efficiency equipment isn’t an option, we’re always willing to give you some tips and pointers on how to lower your utility bills.

Here are some ways to cut down on the amount of natural gas you use:

• Have your furnace inspected, tuned up, and professionally maintained on a regular basis.
• Lower the temperature in your home during the winter months by a degree or two. This may not seem like a big deal, but for every degree you are able to comfortably lower your thermostat you could save up to 3% on your heating bill!
• Let some sun in! Open the shades, blinds or curtains and let the sun heat your home naturally.
• Have a programmable thermostat installed.
• Lower the thermostat on your natural gas water heater.
• Run full loads of laundry when using warm water.
• Have a low flow showerhead installed.

Finally, don’t forget that we pride ourselves with installing high efficiency gas furnaces and would like to be able to provide efficient and affordable heat to your home! If you are interested in installing a high efficiency natural gas water heater or furnace, call us TODAY at 717.254.4555 to talk to an expert.

Read more about your local electricity rates increasing!