ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Minnesota Energy Resources (MER) has asked customers to decrease natural gas usage through Friday, Jan. 30, as extreme cold weather causes volatile prices and higher bills.
The natural gas provider said freezing temperatures across Minnesota and the United States are driving up natural gas costs, which are passed directly to customers.
MER spokesperson Alison Trouy said even small adjustments can help reduce next month’s bill.
“The price that we pay for natural gas is the price our customers pay. There’s no markup there. The extreme cold, both in Minnesota and across the country, is really to blame for this. We just want our customers to be aware so they can make choices that are right for them,” Trouy said.
The company recommended lowering thermostats by a few degrees during the continued freezing temperatures. Additional conservation methods include avoiding fireplace use, using gas ranges sparingly, opening blinds during the day, and closing them at night to contain warmth from the sun.
“This sort of alert is a little bit unusual because of the kind of unusual volatility that we’re seeing. Usually, it’s a little more stable than this, but they’re seeing super cold weather as far away as Texas. Even Florida is really cold,” Trouy said. “So, the whole country is using more natural gas, which is driving up the demand and then the price of natural gas across the country.
For customers concerned about higher bills, MER offers budget billing, flexible payment plans and energy assistance in some cases.
The company said it is cost-based and does not profit from natural gas prices.
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