CenterPoint Energy works with a variety of suppliers, buying natural gas throughout the year on a competitive bid basis, a common utility practice, to ensure reliable supplies and to take advantage of typically lower spring and summer natural gas prices.

A variance from extreme cold temperatures during the first half of the winter caused a decrease in heating demand and coupled with lower natural gas prices have provided a break on heating bills this winter for the average Minnesota customer.  The weather outlook for the remainder of the heating season indicates normal to above-normal temperatures.  Higher natural gas storage levels across the country have helped keep prices lower over the past three months-compared to the same time last year.  Prices are forecasted to remain relatively flat throughout the remainder of the heating season.  Natural gas in storage is 5% higher than a year ago and 3.5% above the five-year average.  We expect that over the remainder of winter, any variation to actual natural gas bills will be largely dependent on the weather and the amount of natural gas you use.

The best way for you to manage your natural gas bill is to enroll in our budget plan program and to conserve energy. Simple, inexpensive efforts can reduce energy usage and lower your bills. Natural gas remains the best energy value for heating homes and water, drying clothes and cooking compared to other fuels.
CenterPoint Energy offers energy efficiency tips and programs to help customers manage their energy bills. To learn more about how you can get ready for winter, click on the links below.