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 quite 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 conditions 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.
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 WinterCare program is available to Duke Energy customers who are in need, and the guidelines for qualification are detailed in the description of that program in the Web site. WinterCare is administered through the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) may also help pay for part of your heating bills if you qualify as a low-income household. There are two types of assistance available – 'Subsidy' or 'Crisis.' Applications for HEAP will be taken at local community action agency offices or designated sites within each county.
Conservation Measures
How can I take control over the amount of energy I use?
By taking a number of no-cost, low-cost measures, you can reduce the amount of your energy usage and save money in the process. Check out our energy-saving tips.
Our online energy audit tool is a great way to see where your energy dollars are being spent. The Home Energy Calculator provides a personalized energy assessment of your home.
Duke Energy offers our Weatherization program to income-qualified customers. Weatherizing your home can help hold down heating bills by keeping cold drafts out, while reducing the amount of warm air escaping from your home.
Our Home Energy House Call program gives you a step-by-step guide to help make your home energy efficient, earth friendly and help save you money. This free service is offered to any electric customer in the Duke Energy Kentucky service territory.
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 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.
