Heating with gas will cost more this winter, here’s how much

MERRILLVILLE, Indiana (WANE) — NIPSCO, which supplies natural gas to customers in much of northern Indiana, has released its winter heating forecast, and as with most things, bills are likely to be higher this season.

According to NIPSCO, winter warming forecasts consider market forecasts, supply trends and storage levels, and are based on normal weather forecasts. When temperatures are colder or warmer than normal, usage amounts and bills may vary.

During the upcoming five-month winter heating season – November 1st to March 31st,
NIPSCO’s average residential natural gas customer using 615 therms can count on it
pay a total of about $661. This compares to $559 for the same period last season and
it’s about a $102 difference (18 percent), or $20.40 per month on average
November to March.

NIPSCO attributes a variety of factors to contributing to the expected cost increase this winter season, including natural gas market prices that are 24 percent higher than last winter. Current market prices are higher than last year reflecting lower production volumes than previous years, greater global demand due to European energy supply concerns and storage balances lagging behind last year’s total and five-year average at this time of year.

NIPSCO offers billing and payment options
Customers experiencing financial difficulties are encouraged to visit nipsco.com/assistance or call NIPSCO’s Customer Service Center as soon as possible to learn what options are available to offer assistance.

Some of these solutions include:
• Payment Plans: Flexible payment plans are available for customers who need financial assistance,
including a three-month or six-month option for all customers and a 12-month option for eligible LIHEAP customers. Customers can learn more and sign up at NIPSCO.com/paymentplans.
NIPSCO’s customer care team will also work with customers to set up a personalized payment plan. Customers can call 1-800-4-NIPSCO (1-800-464-7726) to discuss options.
• Payment Assistance Programs: Based on income level, customers may qualify to receive local, state, and federal assistance funds, as well as assistance funds from separate NIPSCO programs. Customers can visit NIPSCO.com/Assistance to find additional resources or call their local community action agency, Energy Assistance Program (EAP) agency, or Township Trustee’s office.
• Budget Plan: A free service for all NIPSCO customers to help manage their monthly energy bills by spreading gas costs over a full year.

Visit NIPSCO.com/assistance for more information on billing options and payment assistance. Customers can review and manage their account through NIPSCO’s new mobile app, which can be downloaded to iPhone or Android. Those who want to quickly find information 24 hours a day, seven days a week can use NIPSCO’s new chat feature, located in the lower-right corner of the website (NIPSCO.com) or through the mobile app. Customers may also contact the NIPSCO Customer Care Center at 1-800-4-NIPSCO Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT.
Energy and money saving programs
Consumption makes up the majority of the average energy bill. For this reason, NIPSCO offers energy efficiency programs to manage usage and therefore bills. For a complete list of programs, discounts, and tips for NIPSCO customers, visit NIPSCO.com/SaveEnergy.