New Natural Gas Rates
PHILADELPHIA (May 29, 2008) – Effective June 1, PECO will increase its gas commodity charge because, just like other heating fuels such as oil and propane, the cost of natural gas has risen on the wholesale market since the company’s last adjustment in March 2008.
The new rate means the average residential heating customer using 80 Ccf of natural gas will see an increase of $23.55 on their monthly bill. This is a change from about $118 to $141, or 20 percent on the average residential customer’s total bill. The average residential customer uses about 20 Ccf of natural gas during the summer months, which comes to a $5.89 increase.
“We buy natural gas on behalf of our customers. PECO doesn’t profit from selling the commodity and, like all other fuels, prices continue to rise,” said Mark Alden, vice president of Gas for PECO. “All of us at PECO recognize the impact that high prices have on our customers, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of PECO’s energy saving tips as the best way to decrease their bills.”
PECO files its gas rates annually for review with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commision (PUC) and adjusts the natural gas commodity rate quarterly to reflect changes in wholesale natural gas prices.
Use Less and Save
PECO’s customers can save by using less natural gas. So, besides visiting www.peco.com, here are a few natural gas efficiency tips, laid out room-by-room, that can make a difference all summer long:
Bathroom
· Install water saving shower heads so you use less hot water
· Take short hot showers
Basement
· Cover your hot water heater with a hot water heater blanket
· Use insulating wrap and insulating tape for hot water pipes
Laundry room
· Use cold water during washes
· Don’t forget to clean the lint filter after each load
Kitchen
· Rinse the dishes with cold water
When shopping for gas appliances look for the Energy Star label and purchase the most energy efficient unit you can afford. And as always, have your home’s major appliances professionally inspected every two years because a well maintained system will last longer, operate better and save you money.