FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Energy companies supplying Arkansas say natural gas prices will go down for consumers this winter.
"With historic natural gas production and increased storage ... we are pleased to provide lower cost this heating season to our customers here in Arkansas," says Robin Mizell with Black Hills Energy (BHE).
Mizell says Arkansans will be pleased to see much lower costs in comparison to prices around this time last year, "There'll be more than 30% lower costs this season in Arkansas."
On Nov. 1, the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) approved prices for the next six months.
BHE customers will see prices drop from $0.70 per hundred cubic feet to $0.47, and Arkansas Oklahoma Gas (AOG) customers will go from $1.09 last winter to $0.52 this season.
AOG spokesperson Stephanie Sharp says those lower costs are the result of several factors.
"Earlier in the year our company sued BP over the Winter Storm Uri. It was a breach of contract lawsuit where we were awarded $18 million because BP didn't deliver the gas like they should have during Winter Storm Uri back in 2021. So our customers are now seeing a lower cost of gas this winter because of that lawsuit," says Sharp.
Though you might be paying less, both companies say it's still important to reduce energy usage.
Mizell recommends, "keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees where you're comfortable, and if you're out working or going to school during the day, crank it down maybe a little bit more. Then when you come home in the evenings turn it back up."
They also advise customers to open curtains and blinds to let sunlight heat their home and insulate around windows and doors to keep warm air inside.
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