Cold Weather Hits, and Gas Bills Go Up

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Story Published: Oct 13, 2008 at 5:16 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 3:49 AM MST

By Wes Horrocks

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POCATELLO - A viewer called our new tipline wondering why utility companies are charging more for gas in Idaho when rates in Utah are dropping.

As of October 1st Intermountain Gas customers are seeing an increase of anywhere from 15% to 18% on their bills totaling about $54-million, and its all to even things out.

Intermountain Gas, like other utility companies, is regualted by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.

Once a year Intermountain requests a rate adjustment, and because natural gas prices are expected to go up so will your bill. Brandon Lance, Pocatello regional manager for Intermountain Gas said, "The price of gas, for what we've been paying for it historically has gone up. Therefore our prices will go up to meet them."

In Utah, companies like Questar are lowering rates, but it's only after they had increased them in June and learned gas isn't going to be as expensive as they predicted. Lance said, "Its a true-up of the system-the price of gas over the complete year."

With the increase Intermountain isn't going to make more money. The higher rates can only go to pay for gas. "The Idaho Public Utilities Commission, they govern us on what we can pay for gas and the cost of gas, and we make no profit on this increase," said Lance.

Even though your bill will be going up there are things you can do to save money. First, clean your air filters twice a season. Second, don't restrict airflow by closing registers. Third, avoid changing the thermostat frequently. Fourth, repair any leaky faucets. And fifth, set your thermostat lower at night and when you are out of the house. Lance said, "If there is a severe decrease of natural gas in the future we will lower our prices to meet that."

Here's how the rate increase works. If you use gas for space heating you'll see a monthly increase of about $7.90. And if you use it for heating water as well it'll be a $12.30 monthly increase.

To apply for money saving programs like Project Share and Low Income Heating Assistance head over to http://www.intgas.com/energysolutions/energyassistinformation.html

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