elsewhere in the newsroom
August 1, 2006
Contact:
Matt Pitzarella
724.416.6313
mmpitzarella@nisource.com
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Customers Eligible for Six Percent Lower Budget Payment
CANONSBURG, Pa. - The average Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania budget billing amount for 2006-07 has decreased by six percent from last year. By enrolling in Columbia's Budget Payment Plan now, customers can ensure a consistent monthly payment throughout the winter months.
The company attributes the decrease to a slightly stronger natural gas price outlook, revised projected payments have decreased to $106 a month from $113, down seven dollars a month from last year, or greater than six-percent.
Columbia's Budget Payment Plan is based on history of gas usage at an address, 30-year normal temperatures, and the current and projected cost of gas. The plan spreads natural gas costs evenly during the year and allows customers to pay the same amount each month.
To enroll in the plan, customers need only pay the budget amount on their bill instead of the actual amount due. While customers can enroll in the plan at any time as long as their account is current, delaying raises their payment amount because there are fewer months to spread the costs. That's why Columbia recommends joining the plan at the beginning of the budget year in August.
"The Budget Payment Plan allows customers predictability in their natural gas bills and greatly reduces the impact of large usage and price spikes that can occur in the heating season," said Chuck Shafer, head of Columbia's customer billing and payment operations. "Customers' budget amounts are based on their usage, and they never pay for more than they actually use. The program is a win for customers."
For many residents, natural gas still remains the most efficient, reliable and cost-effective means of home heating.
More information on the plan is in the company's bill inserts. Customers can learn more by calling Columbia at 1-888-460-4332, or by conducting a keyword search for "budget" at www.columbiagas.com.
Editor's Note: Neither Columbia Gas, nor the company's parent company
NiSource, profits on the cost of natural gas. The company is required
to pass along natural gas costs to the customer dollar for dollar, without
markup or profit margin.
About Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, with local headquarters in Canonsburg, serves
more than 410,000 customers in 27 counties. More information about Columbia
Gas of Pennsylvania and Columbia Gas of Maryland is available on the World
Wide Web at www.columbiagas.com.
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