News

The COLD weather has arrived, and
yesterday WJR reported the following news:

Natural Gas Rate Hike Approved for Consumers Energy

Wednesday, November 30, 2005 – 5:00 PM EST
By Tom Campbell – WJR News

Thousands of Michigan residents saw their household budgets take another
hit Wednesday. The Michigan Public Service Commission approved a natural
gas rate hike for Consumers Energy. The PSC is allowing the company to
charge up to $10.10 per thousand cubic feet - more than a dollar less than
CMS requested. Nevertheless, it will result in a 47% increase for residential
customers. PSC Chairman Peter Lark said the commission staff would
monitor gas prices closely to determine if it appears rates have been set
at an unreasonable level. That is unlikely in view of natural gas futures,
which stand at $12.56 per thousand cubic feet.

http://www.wjr.net/article.asp?id=149904

Ball State University News Center
Replacement windows and caulk not the answers for
heating woes (11/14/2002)

MUNCIE, Ind. – Buying replacement windows, caulking and
weatherstripping are not the best ways to lower heating costs,
says one Ball State University expert on building science.

46% Increase in Natural Gas Costs are expected this winter compared to last winter for Michigan residential customers. Natural gas is expected to average $12.30/Mcf this winter compared to $8.42 last winter. Michigan customers are still paying less than other parts of the country. In New England, natural gas prices for residential customers could go as high as $20/Mcf. Residential users of heating oil can also anticipate significant bill increases. In March 2005, the average residential price of #2 home heating oil was $2.00/gallon, excluding the 4% sales tax. As of October 3, 2005, this average has increased to $2.75/gallon, an increase of 37%. The Michigan Energy Appraisal is available at: