Welcome to the newest edition of The Source, a customer service resource from Vectren Source that is your regularly updated link to energy news, natural gas rate information and more.
A Fixed Rate In The Forecast?
Seasonal demands and weather-related events this time of year can have a significant influence on supply, processing facilities, storage levels and, ultimately, the market price. If this has you thinking about locking in a fixed rate now, call 1-800-770-5976 to check our fixed prices. As always, you can keep in touch with what is happening in the energy markets right here at The Source.
Supply And Demand.
The available natural gas supply and the demands on that supply – particularly due to seasonal needs – have a direct impact on your bill. For instance, last summer's all-time-high surpluses were welcome news to customers who were able to lock in a more competitive rate. Especially when a harsh winter drove prices up! This year? You might consider a flexible rate plan that lets you wait and see until you're ready to lock in a 12-month fixed rate.
2007 Hurricane Report.
The 2007 Hurricane Forecast is out and it looks to be an active season. An increase in hurricane activity could further impact our current supply and could result in increased natural gas rates later in the year. We'll keep you updated on the situation as the year progresses and give you time to lock in a more competitive rate if you choose.
Deregulation and you.
Before deregulation, the local utility would charge one combined price for managing the three major components of natural gas supply – energy production, transportation and delivery. But now, deregulation gives you the option of purchasing energy from a number of approved suppliers who compete with one another creating a competitive pricing environment.
How does your rate measure up?
Natural gas is sold by usage volume. Mcf reflects the cost per 1000 cubic feet of gas used. If your rate is based on ccf, that means the cost per 100 cubic feet of gas used. If your rate is based on a therm, it's basically the same measure as a ccf but it's based on a unit of heat energy equal to 100,000 British thermal units. Give or take, the energy released by burning one therm is approximately the same as burning 0.1 mcf or 1 ccf.
Did You Know?
A little knowledge can add up to big savings. Fireplaces account for 14% of a typical home's heat loss. Doors account for 11%. You can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 30% by investing just a couple of hundred dollars in insulation and weatherizing materials. Finally, that leaky hot water faucet? One drop per second wastes 160 gallons of hot water a month – that's 16 hot baths!