NorthWestern Energy Promotes Energy Awareness

In recognition of Energy Awareness Month, NorthWestern Energy is educating natural gas customers about the upcoming winter heating season and urging all customers to act now to prepare for cold weather.

Across the country, natural gas prices are expected to be approximately 15-20% higher this winter compared to last. Utilities in Montana, including NorthWestern Energy, adjust their natural gas prices on a monthly basis depending on actual market conditions. In October, the price of $5.40 per dekatherm compares to $4.50 at this time last year.

Natural gas prices are following the same upward trend as other fossil fuels. According to the Energy Information Association, the increased prices are due to higher demand relative to supply. Utilities such as NorthWestern Energy do not mark up the price of natural gas. The company passes along the cost to consumers and has the opportunity to earn a profit (called a rate of return) from the delivery of natural gas to homes and businesses. The Public Service Commission carefully reviews the company’s gas tracker to ensure customers are receiving the lowest cost possible based on market conditions and prices.

While customers may not control the price they pay for natural gas, they can control how much natural gas they use. And, since natural gas prices are a national problem that requires a national solution, customers should realize that information and education are important tools for saving energy and money. Here are just a few things you can do about natural gas prices.

* We all have a stake in ensuring reliable, affordable natural gas supplies. Let’s work with Congress to build public support for legislation guiding the future supply and use of natural gas and other forms of energy.

* Contact your congressional representative and encourage congress to increase the availability of natural gas supply.

* How much natural gas you use makes a big difference in your bill. The colder the weather, the more natural gas you use, the higher your bill. Keeping your thermostat at the lowest comfortable level (68 degrees on average) and lowering it to 60 degrees at night and when you’re not home will help you use less energy. Installing a programmable thermostat will make this easier since it does the work for you. Turning your thermostat down too low may cause your furnace to work harder and, therefore, won’t save you any money. Besides, you’ll run the risk of frozen pipes.

* Call a professional to schedule an annual furnace check. They’ll clean and inspect your furnace for any potential safety hazards. Regular maintenance keeps your furnace operating efficiently.

* Check the insulation in your attic, walls and floors. We recommend at least an “RU” value of 38 for the attic and 19 for walls. Higher values will make your home even cozier.

* NorthWestern Energy offers a “budget billing” program, which allows customers to spread the costs of their winter heating bills over a longer period of time. All customers are eligible but you must have a zero-balance to qualify, so sign up now before the high bills appear in the mailbox.

* Congress should increase funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, which helps people pay their energy bills. More than half of LIEAP beneficiaries use natural gas heat. For the long-term, Congress must also act to increase supplies of natural gas, which will help bring prices down for everyone.

* If you, or someone you know, meet the income qualifications, sign up for LIEAP now. In addition to weatherization assistance, LIEAP participants automatically receive a discount on their NorthWestern energy bills. The earlier you sign up for assistance, the sooner you’ll see a discount on your energy bill.

* Fuel funds, such as Energy Share of Montana, provide assistance to eligible customers facing heating emergencies. Funding is tight and we encourage people to consider donating this program or other charitable organizations that provide emergency assistance.

* Call NorthWestern Energy to schedule a free home energy audit or go online at (http://homeenergysaver.lbl.gov/) to complete a “do-it-yourself” audit. More importantly, act on the recommendations you can afford. Every little bit helps.

There is also a comprehensive booklet available for homeowners:
http://www.northwesternenergy.com/documents/E+_energy_tips_for_home.pdf

About NorthWestern Energy

NorthWestern Corporation (OTC Pink Sheets: NTHWQ) d/b/a NorthWestern Energy is one of the largest providers of electricity and natural gas in the Upper Midwest and Northwest, serving approximately 608,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. For more information about NorthWestern Energy, visit http://www.northwesternenergy.com.

###

Contacts:
Media:
Claudia Rapkoch
(406) 497-2871
[email protected]

http://www.northwesternenergy.com/aboutus/newsroom/display_news.aspx?M=1611&I=169&document_id=377