Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Natural Gas Prices Are Rising

Consumers are reminded natural gas prices have gone up.

Arkansas Attorney General Mark Pryor said this is the result from higher demand and lower supply. The combination will result in higher utility bills for those using natural gas in their homes.

"Even if the winter is mild, as it was last year," he said, "customers could see their bills increase by as much as 40 percent to 60 percent for the same amount of use. If the winter is colder, as predicted, bills could go up as much as 100 percent."

Pryor said the increase is not the result of rate increases going to the gas utility companies, but because of an increase on the costs on the open market.

These additional costs are passed on by the utility companies to their consumers, with no profit added.

Pryor has supported a recent filing by Reliant Energy/Arkla, asking for expedited approval of a plan to give a credit of $10 million to all of Arkla's rate classes.

This credit, according to Pryor, will lower residential customers's heating bills an average of $15.50 over the course of the winter.

He also supports a proposal that will change the method Arkla passes fuel costs on to customers. This measure would reduce the bills another $4 for the winter.

However, Pryor encourages people to take steps around the home to help reduce their gas usage. Winterizing the home is the first step, followed by conserving energy by lowering the thermostat. Using gas stoves for cooking will also help keep costs down.

Customers can also get on a levelized billing plan which will have them paying roughly the same amount on their bill every month year round.

These price increases do not constitute price gouging.

Those customers who feel their bill isn't right should first contact their provider and request a manual reading, if the bill has been estimated. This is signified by (EST) on the bill.

If the company is unable to comply, the customer can make the reading and call it in.

For large bills, call the provider and make arrangements to pay the bill out over time. This is important as if the payment isn't received by its due date, the service could be terminated and the customer get disconnected.

If all attempts to get help or information about billing fail, then call the Attorney General's Office at (501) 682-2007, or toll-free at 1-800-482-8982. The office can also be reached through the Internet at www.ag.state.ar.us