Updated 11-13-08

Natural gas prices continue their downward trend from unseasonable highs reached at the beginning of the summer, which means good news for Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. natural gas customers.

Based on the most recent price information, Montana-Dakota customers can expect to pay about $170 more than last year for the heating season, which runs November through March. The increase is about half of what was originally projected earlier this fall. Natural gas prices last heating season were at a five-year low.  

The price outlook for this year’s heating season is based on typical weather and average usage, as well as no major impacts on supply and demand. Prices also are subject to monthly changes based on the fluctuations in wholesale natural gas market prices.

For customers anticipating payment difficulties, call 1-800-MDU-FAST (1-800-638-3278) to make payment arrangements.

PLEASE CHECK GAS METERS

Now that the winter season is upon us, Montana-Dakota encourages customers to inspect their natural gas meters to make sure there is not a build up of snow and ice. Customers are encouraged to clear the snow and ice away from the meter set.

Accumulations of snow and ice can cause the regulator and meter to malfunction and result in a hazardous situation. When melting occurs and the snow becomes wet and heavy, it can put pressure on the meter setting and cause strain on the associated piping. In extreme cases, the possibility exists that the piping could break.

If you believe damage has occurred around the meter set, please call Montana-Dakota at 1-800-MDU-FAST (1-800-638-3278) so the problem can be repaired.

Energy Saving tips

Maintain your Heating System - 70-80% of a typical home’s natural gas use is for heating.

• Change or clean furnace filters once a month during heating season.
• Have your furnace or boiler tuned by a qualified technician once a year to help improve your system’s operating efficiency. Plus, your furnace is one-third less likely to break down.
• If you have an old heating system, consider replacing it with a high efficiency system. By upgrading you could save 15 to 24% on heating costs. Plus, you could save $150 on initial costs with our conservation incentives, where applicable.

Turn down your thermostat - The easiest and most economical way to cut energy costs is to adjust your thermostat. You could cut heating bills by as much as 10% per year by turning your thermostat back by 10 to 15% for eight or more hours per day.

• Set thermostats between 65 F and 70 F during the winter, and to 58F when away from the house for four or more hours. For homes with elderly people or children, warmer temperatures are recommended.
• For greater temperature control, use a programmable or setback thermostat. Plus you could save $20 on the initial cost of the thermostat with our conservation incentives, where applicable.

Turning down water heater setting - The water heater accounts for approximately 15% of the average household’s energy use. Using it wisely can save you money.

• To lower energy cost without sacrificing comfort, set water heater temperature to 120 F.
• Replace old tank water heaters with models that have an energy factor of .64 or greater.

Make windows work for you

• On sunny days, open draperies and blinds to let in the sun’s warmth.
• Close draperies and blinds at night to insulate against cold air.
• Be sure storm windows are installed during heating season.

Stop drafts and air leaks - By adding insulation and sealing air leaks, you could cut as much as 40% from your energy bill. Guard against heat loss by sealing leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes and ducts.

• Weatherize your home with caulking and weatherstripping to seal leaks.
• Be sure attic and basement have recommended levels of insulation.
• After you have caulked and sealed bypasses, adding insulation can help you reduce energy use and save on future fuel bills.

Keep warm in winter

• Warm air rises, so use registers to direct warm airflow across the floor.
• Close vents and doors in unused rooms.
• Keep hot and cold air registers free of dust and do not block with carpet or furniture.

Showerhead / Faucets

• Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.
• Repair leaky faucets. A leak that fills a coffee cup in 10 minutes wastes 3,280 gallons of water a year.

Washer / Dryer

• Run washing machines and clothes dryers with full loads only.
• Consider washing with cold water.
• Replace old, outdated appliances with high efficiency models.

More information on conservation and other programs
Natural Gas Pricing Brochure(pdf)