News Releases

PPL Gas Utilities will reduce its gas supply rate by an additional 15 percent Friday (12/1), bringing the total reduction since last December to 24 percent. The latest reduction is the company’s fourth consecutive decrease in as many quarters. 

“As we head into winter, the biggest time of the year for natural gas use, this is good news for our customers,” said Robert M. Geneczko, president of PPL Gas Utilities. “Lower gas prices will leave more money in customers’ pockets.”

The gas supply rate is the largest portion of a customer’s monthly bill. With the reduction from $12.42 to $10.51 per dekatherm, a typical residential heat customer who uses 18 dekatherms will pay about $57 per month less than last winter. PPL Gas Utilities measures gas use in dekatherms, a unit of heat energy equal to 1 million British thermal units (BTUs).

The gas supply rate is a pass-through charge to recover the cost of gas that the company purchases for customers. Customers pay the cost to procure that gas without any markup or profit for PPL Gas Utilities.

“The decrease in gas supply rates only enhances the value of natural gas,” Geneczko said. “Efficient and reliable, natural gas offers comfort and convenience, reduces the country’s reliance on foreign fuel and is America’s top choice for home heating.”

Geneczko said PPL Gas Utilities remains concerned about customers facing financial hardships and offers help for customers who may have difficulty paying their bills despite decreasing prices this winter.

He said the company’s customer assistance program provides more affordable bills to customers who qualify based on their income. In addition, he said the company’s Operation Share program provides cash grants to help low-income customers pay their heating bills.

Another source of help is the federal government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program provides cash grants and crisis assistance to qualifying households. Last winter, more than 7,200 PPL Gas Utilities customers received more than $1.9 million in assistance. Customers may apply for funds by contacting their county assistance office.

PPL Gas Utilities customers also may enroll in the company’s budget billing program, which lets customers pay in equal monthly installments over a 12-month period.

Geneczko said customers struggling to pay their gas bills should contact PPL Gas Utilities toll free at 1-800-652-0550.

PPL Gas Utilities, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE:  PPL) provides natural gas delivery service to 75,000 homes and businesses in 34 Pennsylvania counties and a small portion of Maryland.