Chatham, Ontario: Union Gas announced September 27 that it had received approval from the Ontario Energy Board to decrease its rates for natural gas customers effective Oct. 1.
Residential customers who buy natural gas from Union Gas will see a $73 decrease related to the removal of the cap-and-trade charges for natural gas effective Oct.1, 2018. This is partially offset by changes in the market price of natural gas supplies and transportation services, which are passed through to customers without mark-up, resulting in the following overall changes:
• Southern Ontario – a decrease of about $47 a year, for an annual average bill of about $707.
• North East Ontario – a decrease of $26 a year, for an annual average bill of $989.
• North West Ontario – a decrease of $74 a year, for an annual average bill of $839.
Business customers will see decreases ranging from $1,098 to $3,154 a year depending on location.
Customer rates are adjusted without mark-up each quarter to reflect changes in the market price of natural gas supplies. See uniongas.com/residentialrates to view current natural gas rate information by postal code.
"The good news is Union Gas customers will see a decrease in their bills throughout the winter months," remarked Sarah Van Der Paelt, Vice-President, Infranchise Sales and Marketing and Customer Care, Union Gas. "Natural gas continues to be the most cost-effective energy choice for homes and business, and our customers can save even more by leveraging Union Gas energy-efficiency rebate programs."
Note: The estimated decreases cited above are based on the following definitions of customers:
• Residential – Average household using 2,200 m3 of natural gas a year.
• Business – Average business using 73,000 m3 of natural gas a year in southern Ontario and 93,000 m3 in northern Ontario.