Xcel Energy natural gas customers are likely to save on November heating bills compared to November 2005. However, given the arrival of cold and blustery weather, customers are expected to watch their bills more than double compared to this month.
Xcel today proposed to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission a rate jumping from almost 40 cents per therm this month to almost 58 cents per therm next month. If approved, the price changes would take effect Nov. 1 and be in effect only for next month.
Given that residential and small-business customers typically use far more natural gas in November, their bills are expected to rise sharply. The average residential customer will use 83 percent more natural gas next month compared to this month, Xcel said. If a customer uses 99.7 therms in November, the resulting bill would be $81.47 compared to the use this month of 54.5 therms and a bill of $39.39.
Typical small-business customers will double their use of natural gas in November compared to this month, Xcel said. Their overall bills next month would be $378.71 based on consumption of 489.8 therms. The average bill this month of $155.90 is based on the use of 245.2 therms.
Xcel was quick to note that the rates proposed for next month could mean bills 35 percent lower compared to those in November 2005.
“The change in use from October to November is one of the most dramatic of the year,” Xcel spokesman Mark Stutz said. “You’re always going to see a big change in use and price when looking at it month to month. But the year-to-year comparison is very encouraging, and we hope that the lower rates for November continue through the heating season.” That season, Stutz said, usually ends in March.
Projected natural gas prices for November 2006 are higher, by about 45 percent, than the forecast used for October 2006, Xcel said. But natural gas prices are approximately 44 percent lower than a year ago.
Xcel customers may find tips on how to save energy and lower their natural gas bills at .
Staff writer Christine Tatum can be reached at 303-954-1503 or ctatum@denverpost.com.
Staff writer Christine Tatum can be reached at 303-954-1503 or ctatum@denverpost.com.
