From The Tribune Staff Reports
TRUSSVILLE — Despite headlines and government warnings about double-digit spikes in gas prices this winter, Trussville Gas and Water’s 24,000 natural gas customers shouldn’t expect to see those kinds of drastic increases on their bills this winter.
In its closely watched Short Term Outlook released last week, the US Energy Information Administration predicted the average American household would spend 30 percent more on natural gas this winter compared to a year ago. The EIA predicts that spike due to higher wholesale prices combined with forecasts of colder than usual weather.
Trussville Gas and Water’s General Manager, Mike Strength, currently expects to hold rate increases to 8.5 percent or lower. Strength credits the Trussville Gas and Water Board with a buying strategy that gives it a hedge against market fluctuations.
“Because Trussville Gas and Water is a municipal corporation, our board’s focus is on the customers, not on shareholders,” Strength said. “Their goal is not to maximize profits but to protect our customers from rate shocks.”
Even as fuel prices have already begun ramping up nationwide, Trussville Gas and Water will keep looking for ways to avoid passing those increases on to customers.
“While we expect to avoid the huge price swings our customers may be reading about, we know that any rate increase is significant,” Strength said. “We’re constantly monitoring the natural gas market, looking for buying opportunities that keep customer’s bills down.”
Strength cautioned that colder weather could mean customers use more gas, which drives up their bills. Trussville Gas and Water has tips for cold weather and lower natural gas usage overall on its website at trussville.com/energy-saving-tips-save-money/.
ABOUT TRUSSVILLE UTILITIES
Trussville Gas and Water is the trade name for Utilities Board, City of Trussville. The City of Trussville organized the board as a municipal corporation to serve water and natural gas to Trussville and the surrounding areas.
The city council appoints Trussville Gas & Water board members for six-year terms. The current board members are:
- Chairman: Buddy Aydelette
- Vice-Chairman: A. H. Wright
- Directors: Teddy Gilmer, Eddie Seal, Ed Smith