Gas FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
About Natural Gas Prices
Reasons for Increased Gas Costs Conservation Measures
Bill Management Options Gas Supply
Financial Assistance
Reasons for Increased Gas Costs
What is the outlook for natural gas prices this winter?
Natural gas prices remain sensitive to weather, to a limited extent in terms of natural gas supply (such as a hurricane that may affect production in the Gulf of Mexico) and far more so in terms of natural gas demand (such as cold weather that increases usage for home heating). In fact, weather is often the biggest factor in how much residential customers pay for natural gas during the winter.
Winter gas prices are forecasted to be higher than we've seen in past years. Despite the increase, Duke Energy still remains one of the lowest gas providers in the region.
Is this occurring only in our area, or nationwide?
The price of natural gas is increasing throughout the United States.
Are my rates going up?
It’s not your natural gas delivery charge that’s increasing, but the cost for Duke Energy to purchase gas from its suppliers. This cost is referred to as our gas cost recovery charge that changes monthly. Regulators allow us to pass our prudently incurred gas costs along to customers on a dollar for dollar basis, without any markup.
Is this increase permanent or temporary?
It is possible that natural gas prices will remain high over the next couple of years, depending on weather and new supplies of gas coming into the market.
Why doesn't the utility absorb the cost increases, instead of passing them along to customers?
Natural gas utilities do not make any profit from supplying natural gas. We simply pass the cost of the gas on to our customers. Conditions such as extreme weather or changes in the price of natural gas can create unexpected shifts in the price that customers pay for the natural gas they use.
Bill Management Options
With these higher costs how can I better manage my energy bill?
Duke Energy offers two Budget Billing Plans to help you manage your winter heating and summer cooling bills by setting your monthly energy bill at an average amount. You can enroll online at your convenience and it’s absolutely free.
Duke Energy's gas customer choice program, which enables other suppliers to sell natural gas to customers, might be another option to consider. By working closely with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Duke Energy established one of the nation's largest customer choice programs. In fact, more than 50,000 customers have already decided to participate in this program, one of the first big steps toward bringing people in Ohio the benefits of a competitive energy market.
What programs are available if I’m experiencing difficulty paying?
Extended payment plans are available to qualified customers who need additional time to pay their energy bill. If you're unable to pay your entire balance by the due date, call us at 513.651.5100 or toll-free at 800.648.7777 to see what payment plan might work for you.
Financial Assistance
Is financial assistance available?
Our HeatShare program is available to Duke Energy customers who are low-income, and/or elderly, as well as customers who may not be eligible for other programs. HeatShare is administered through The Salvation Army.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) may also help pay part of your heating bills if you qualify as a low-income household. All households, that pay home energy costs directly or indirectly as a non-designated portion of their rent, may receive benefits.
The Ohio Energy Credits program (OEC) has been incorporated into the Ohio Department of Development's Energy Assistance Program. Customers who are 65 years of age or older OR totally and permanently disabled will receive an increased Energy Assistance benefit beyond what they would receive under HEAP.
Conservation Measures
How can I take control over the amount of energy I use?
By taking a number of no-cost and low-cost measures, you can reduce the amount of your energy usage and save money in the process. Check out our tips for reducing your bill.
Our online energy audit tool is a great way to see where your energy dollars are being spent. The Personalized Energy Report provides a personalized energy assessment of your home.
Home Weatherization is available to income-qualified Duke Energy customers. Our free Weatherization program is administered through People Working Cooperatively and consists of an energy audit, installation of weatherization materials when appropriate, along with customer education.
Gas Supply
Is there a shortage of natural gas?
Natural gas is increasingly popular for use in homes, schools, businesses, factories and electric power-generation because it is efficient, clean, and reliable. However, natural gas production has struggled to keep pace with demand. As a result, the market price of natural gas reflects an extremely tight balance between natural gas supply and demand. While the supplies of natural gas are tight, the United States has adequate supplies of natural gas.
How does the utility acquire natural gas supplies?
Duke Energy buys natural gas from North American producers and then resells it to customers without any profit. We make every effort to obtain supplies at the best possible price.
