| Forecasters are predicting higher natural gas prices this winter due to
the shut down of natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of Hurricane Katrina as
well as increasing demand. This situation means the average residential heating bill could be more than
23 percent higher this winter than last year and prices are likely to go even higher. Demand for natural
gas continues to rise as a growing percentage of electric generation and residential heating comes from
natural gas.
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| In light of these predicted high energy prices this winter, the Georgia Public Service Commission
(Commission) urges consumers to begin preparations for the winter season before the cold weather
hits. Wholesale natural gas prices are not controlled by the state of Georgia or Georgia's utilities. They
fluctuate with the national market. Higher prices and a colder winter mean you may have to pay more
to heat your home.
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| Consumers can manage and possibly reduce their winter heating costs by taking the following steps.
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1. |
Conserve energy. Consumers can control their energy costs by using energy wisely and
more efficiently. Proper insulation around doors and windows, buying energy-efficient
appliances and installing programmable thermostats are some of the measures consumers
can take. For more information, see our Consumer Corner section on our website,
www.psc.state.ga.us.
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| 2. |
Enroll in budget billing. Consumers can spread out their natural gas utility payments over a
12-month period by signing up for budget billing through their utility provider or natural gas
marketer. Plans vary by marketer and may include a true-up adjustment during the year or at
the end of 12 months to reduce the variance between the budgeted amount and actual
charges.
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| 3. |
Apply for energy bill assistance. Consumers may qualify for the Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, as well as other assistance programs. For more
information, consumers can call the Department of Human Resources at 1-800- 869-1150 or
404-657-3425.
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| 4. |
Check out marketers plan offerings. For consumers in the Atlanta Gas Light Company
delivery area who like the security of knowing the rate they will pay for gas, a fixed rate
plan might be appropriate. The natural gas marketers' price list compares the annual cost of
an average user that consumes 880 therms of gas if locked in for 12 months at the publised
rates. Consumers can visit our website at www.psc.state.ga.us/gas/
pricecard.asp
to obtain the most up-to-date fixed rates.
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| If you have any questions or to request a copy of the natural gas marketers' price list,
please click here to contact the Georgia Public Service
Commission's Consumer Affairs Unit.
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| You can also view the natural gas marketers' price list by clicking here.
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