If you receive natural gas service from us, you will see an item labeled Gas Cost Recovery (GCR) on your bill.
The GCR charge on your bill is the exact rate that we pay our suppliers for natural gas. It is never marked up.
This cost has nothing to do with the natural gas infrastructure we maintain or how it’s delivered to your home. We do not gain any profits from GCR rates.
Please Note: The rates, charges and totals shown are for illustration purposes only.
How Gas Cost Recovery Rates Work
GCR is measured in thousand cubic feet (Mcf). The GCR rate that you see on your bill is calculated by the volume of natural gas you use. The GCR rate may change depending on price increases or decreases from the supplier.
We help reduce the price of GCR by purchasing natural gas during times when the price is lowest – usually summer. We’ll keep it in underground storage facilities to be used when GCR rates start to rise to keep the GCR rate low.
Factors That Can Affect Gas Cost Recovery Rates
Wondering why your heating bill is higher at times? These factors affect the cost of natural gas.
Weather
If there’s a very cold winter or hot summer, more natural gas may be used because of demand for more heating or cooling. This increase in demand could result in higher prices if it gets to the point where more natural gas needs to be produced and bought.
Gas Commodity Price and Global Market Demand
Bringing in natural gas from other countries can affect GCR. For example, if a major gas-producing country lowers its exports or changes pricing, it can lead to an increased GCR rate globally, especially during times of instability.
The Economy
When the economy is in a good state, more natural gas may be used, causing more demand and an increase in GCR rates. This increase in demand means more natural gas needs to be produced, driving up costs.
Simple Ways to Use Less Natural Gas
Lower Your Thermostat. Set your thermostat at 68 degrees when you’re home and at 65 degrees when you’re away for a short time. If that isn’t comfortable for you, try lowering your temperature one degree at a time until you find the lowest comfortable temperature.
Change Your Furnace Filter Often. Furnaces use less energy if they “breathe” more easily. Follow instructions on the furnace manufacturer’s manual.
Tune Up Your Furnace. Poorly maintained heating systems lose heat. Have your furnace tuned and inspected professionally before winter begins.
Don’t Block Air Vents or Air Returns. Keep furniture, carpeting and curtains from blocking heat registers and air return ducts.
Get matched with programs customized just for you. Just answer a few simple questions, and we’ll match you with personalized offers to help you manage your bill and save.
Learn more about natural gas costs on our “How Natural Gas Rates Are Set” page.
