WHOLESALE NATURAL GAS PRICES HAVE INCREASED DRASTICALLY WITH THE COLD THAT’S SPREAD ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
SIOUX CENTER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES MANAGER, MURRAY HULSTEIN SAYS THEY PRE-PURCHASE NATURAL GAS TO LOCK IN A FAVORABLE PRICE, BUT WHEN YOU DEAL WITH PROLONGED COLD LIKE THIS — YOU NEED TO PURCHASE MORE GAS WITHOUT A PRESET PRICE.
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HE SAYS WHEN YOU NEED MORE GAS TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR CONTRACT SUPPL — YOU ARE AT THE MERCY OF THE MARKET.
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HULSTEIN SAYS THE WEATHER HAS PLAYED A ROLE IN THE SUPPLY BEYOND THE NEED TO BURN MORE GAS TO KEEP WARM. IT HAS ALSO CAUSED ISSUES WITH GETTING GAS OUT OF THE WELLS.
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HE SAYS CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONSIDER A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT TO AVOID HEATING AN UNUSED SPACE AND MAKE SURE YOUR FURNACE IS RUNNING EFFICIENTLY BY CHANGING THE FILTERS.
HULSTEIN SAYS THERE IS SOME HELP AVAILABLE TOO THROUGH THE STATE’S LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, OR LIHEAP.
File photo/Radio Iowa
