Act Now to Avoid Gas Bill Spikes this Winter | Weather

Columbia Gas urges customers to enroll in the Budget Payment Plan

By taking action during summer's heat, Columbia Gas customers can avoid budget-busting gas bills during the coldest months of winter. Joining the Budget Payment Plan today will pay dividends all year long.

The Budget Payment Plan spreads natural gas costs evenly over a 12-month period, lessening the impact of winter heating bills.

The average monthly budget amount for 2011-12 is $75, down $6 from last year. Abundant new supplies of natural gas, produced in the USA, have cut prices by half in recent years.

Each customer's budget billing amount is different, and it may be higher or lower than the average. The amount is based on the historical gas usage patterns for their home, the projected cost of natural gas on the wholesale market and current rates for service and delivery.

It is important for customers to act now to enroll in the Budget Payment Plan. Waiting beyond August will raise the payment amount, as there are fewer months in the budget year over which to spread the costs of winter heating.

Columbia reviews budget accounts in March to determine the impact of weather conditions and swings in the market price of natural gas. The company may adjust budget customers' payment amounts, if necessary, to keep them on track with actual account balances.

To enroll in the Budget Payment Plan, customers can:

· Pay the promoted amount shown on their August bill, plus any non-utility charges for security deposits, optional services, or fuel fund contributions, instead of the current amount due.

· Enroll online HERE --click on "Manage Your Account" and log in to enroll anytime. The Budget Payment Plan is just one of many online services that allow customers to manage "YourAccount. Your Way," including Direct e-Bill electronic billing and free online bill pay.

· Call 1-800-344-4077- select option 1 from the main menu and follow the appropriate prompts for information on the budget plan.