PSC says price of natural gas will be 'significantly higher' this winter

HELENA, Mont. (AP) The price for natural gas is hitting historic highs. And members of the Public Service Commission worry it will continue to climb, translating into huge home-heating bills this winter.

Commissioner Bob Raney says the cost of gas this winter will be "significantly higher" than last winter, all across the country.

Natural gas is used to heat more than 250,000 Montana homes.

During the summer, demand for it usually is low, and prices are too.

But residential customers of NorthWestern Energy, the state's largest natural gas utility, are paying nearly $15 per dekatherm for natural gas this month. That's well above last summer's price of $9 to $10.

During winter months, a household with natural gas heat may use 15 to 20 dekatherms. At current prices, that means a $300 monthly bill.

The PSC says homeowners and businesses should do all they can now to insulate their homes and offices.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-22-08 1613CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list