Natural gas prices are skyrocketing, and rising rates will be seen in Montanans’ heating bills this winter.
Jo Dee Black is a spokesperson for NorthWestern Energy.
"The forecast that Northwestern Energy has for our residential customers is that residential customers may pay up to 47% more this winter than last winter to heat their homes," she says.
State utility regulators this week warned natural gas prices increasing globally will result in higher prices across Montana.
According to the Energy Information Administration’s Short-Term Energy Outlook, “energy prices are expected to remain volatile this winter due to supply uncertainty and changing consumer demand.”
Montanans can contact their natural gas utility provider to find out about monthly payments options. The state health department offers energy assistance for low-income households and their Weatherization Program can pay a portion of winter energy bills.
