Natural Gas and Electricity News

July 10, 2020

As the Holiday Inn commercials used to say, “The Best Surprise Is No Surprise” and that applies to natural gas and electricity. Rates for both have been quite stable.
Natural gas rates have been below $2 but as the summer wears on and we get into fall they might start gradually going up. The futures indicate that January could see about $3.00 per mcf. Nothing to get excited about though.
When it comes to gas I shall repeat for the 38,000th time, nobody beats NOPEC/NextEra’s variable rate. If you don’t have NOPEC’s variable rate for gas you’re unconditionally paying too much! Why you might not have enough cash to buy tickets to the Firefighters’ Clambake on September 12th.
BUT, and some people haven’t caught on to this yet, if your July bill shows a rate of $3.42 you have the “program rate” which is too high!!! Call NOPEC and ask to be put on the variable rate. NOPEC’s number is 1-855-667-3201.
The variable rate on your June bill should have been no higher than $1.94; July bills should be no higher than $1.87 and your August bill should be no higher than $1.79.
If you don’t see NOPEC on the left side of your gas bill and but you do see the letters MVR which stand for Monthly Variable Rate you are being robbed blind!!
If you see MVR get out of your backyard pool and call Dominion IMMEDIATELY at 1-800-362-7557 and tell them to make you what is called an “SCO” customer!
Electricity rates continue to be the lowest in years. If you have NOPEC for electricity that’s fine but you might want to consider their very competitive fixed rate right now, especially if you use electricity for both heating and cooling. The rate is a 12 month fixed rate of 4.61 cents per kilowatt hour. And if you’d like your electricity to be generated by wind, solar, etc., NOPEC’s 12 month renewable energy rate is only 4.71 cents a kilowatt hour. There are lower electricity rates but a switch to them isn’t worth it unless you have a monthly average use of at least 2,000 kilowatt hours.
Haven’t heard of anybody going door to door trying to sell you gas and/or electricity but it has been known to happen. And the other day someone called me and said to get my electric bill because they can lower my rate. Don’t give them the time of day! Remember what Nancy Reagan said, “JUST SAY NO!” Since Bible times all those people have rates that are higher than NOPEC.
Finally, when in doubt, always call Ted with questions. 440-526-2606.
The opinions expressed are those of Ted Lux and do not necessarily reflect those of Mayor Hruby or City Council.