Winter heating bills on the rise

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Michiana saw its first freeze Thursday morning, giving the reminder that winter is right around the corner, and this year, NIPSCO natural gas customers can expect to see a raise in heating costs compared to last year.

NIPSCO director of communications, Wendy Lussier, explained bills are projected to be about 15% higher than last year for the average customer.

Lussier says NIPSCO classifies the winter heating season as Nov. 1 to the end of March. During that season, she says the average natural gas customer uses 625 therms, meaning an average Indiana customer could expect about a $14.40 raise compared to last year in each monthly bill.

Lussier says there’s two factors that go into gas costs, the delivery service fee from the company, and the actual commodity cost of natural gas.

While natural gas prices have stayed relatively similar over the years, NIPSCO’s distribution costs have gone up since 2023.

“In fact, we had a rate increase that was approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission that went into effect this August, so that’s what we see contributing to the cost increase this year for customers. I will note however, it is about 17% lower than what we saw in the winter of 2022, which was kind of a peak period for natural gas,” said Lussier.

However, she gave some recommendations on how Hoosiers can keep those costs down.

“Certainly this time of the year it is time to bring in a professional to do a furnace inspection and a cleaning, that helps make sure that your system is operating as efficiently and seamlessly as it can for the season, also make sure that you change those filters on a regular basis, on a monthly basis, to keep those clean and operating efficiently throughout the season,” said Lussier. “It’s a good idea to open up your blinds and drapes when the sun is shining during those cold winter days help let the heat in and do some of the work of helping to heat your home.”

Lussier also explained there is a federal program called the Energy Assistance Program, where those struggling to keep up with entry costs can receive funds. She says you can call 211 to see if you qualify or click here.