Newspaper/Facebook/Website Statement For Immediate Release
Current and forecasted cold weather across a significant portion of the United States is increasing natural gas demand for heating and electric generation. This increased demand is putting upward pressure on daily natural gas wholesale prices. HUC would like customers to be aware of this as February’s bill will be impacted not only by increases in natural gas consumption but also potentially by these prices.
The cold weather across a large section of the United States is affecting production, transportation, and demand for natural gas, which leads to higher wholesale prices. As of this press release, the wholesale prices are still significantly below the increases experienced several years ago during Winter Storm Uri but are significantly higher than normal.
HUC continues to be diligent about minimizing natural gas price fluctuation by purchasing fixed price natural gas volumes for the coming year through a sound hedging strategy. However, when demand is greater than fixed price gas volumes purchased HUC becomes susceptible to the daily price of gas.
There are several steps customers can take to conserve natural gas demand. Ways to save include:
- Lower your thermostat – During winter months set the thermostat as low as is comfortable. While asleep or out of the home turn the thermostat down to save on your heating bill.
- Keep blinds open to take advantage of the sunlight, which is a natural way to help warm your home.
- Run ceiling fans clockwise so the warm air near the ceiling is forced down to other parts of room.
- Keep filters clean – dirty furnace filters reduce airflow, requiring your furnace to work harder and use more energy.
- Cover drafty window through window sealing kits
- Find and seal leaks – minimize drafts around doors, fireplace dampers and other places where air may enter or exit the home.
Hutchinson Utilities Commission is very cognizant of the financial impact customers may see on their February’s bill. HUC encourages customers once they receive their bill to call customer service to make alternative payment arrangements if needed that fit a customer’s individual needs.
Date: January 23, 2026
Contact: Jeremy Carter, General Manager
Phone: (320) 234-0505