West Virginians can expect up to a 40% decrease in their natural gas utility bills this winter, making a “big difference to West Virginia families,” WV Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Charlotte Lane announced last week. With last year’s market volatility beginning to settle down, Mountaineer Gas and Hope Gas (the state’s two largest utilities) saw a 20% and 40% rate decline this year, respectively, leading to substantial consumer savings.
Why it matters:
Natural gas remains the most affordable and reliable way to heat and power homes in America. No stranger to harsh winters, West Virginians deserve reliable energy they can count on during winter’s coldest months and summer’s hottest days. As the Mountain State is America’s fourth largest natural gas producer, West Virginians have unparalleled access to energy that’s low-cost, always-on, and produced right in their backyards.
Last year was an outlier, with energy prices spiking due to the fastest growing inflation rate Americans have witnessed in 40 years. This triggered a ~17% increase in utility bills across the country and reinforces the need for stable, local energy supplies. More, an unprovoked war breaking out in Eastern Europe weaponized energy and led to a global supply crunch that added to the pressures. As a commodity market, global oil and gas prices are incredibly cyclical – and we’re seeing firsthand the importance of maintaining an abundant domestic supply to cushion end-users from these fluctuations.
Tips for lowering heating costs:
For those looking for additional ways to save on heating bills this winter, be sure to check out these resources from GO-WV and the PSC:
