Utility Bills on the Rise

Many of Hastings Utilities’ customers are experiencing higher than normal utility bills this winter season. There are several elements that are contributing to the increased cost.

First, retail utility rates for electricity and gas increased in October of 2022 due to an increased cost to provide the utility service.

The second component causing the increase in utility bills is the high cost of natural gas.  Hastings buys a portion of our gas for City usage six month to a year in advance.  In 2022, natural gas commodity  prices saw a drastic increase from the prior year.  In some months, gas prices were three times higher than they were the same time the year prior.  The cost of gas is passed on to our customers through the Purchase Gas Adjustment (PGA) charge. Due to the higher gas commodity prices, the PGA has increased as well, adding more dollars our customers are paying on their gas bill.

The weather is the last factor causing high utility bills.  In December, much of the Midwest experienced frigid cold temperatures and high winds reaching up to 50 miles per hour for four days.  Gas usage increased throughout our service area during this cold snap.  As a whole, Hastings had not used that amount of gas in a December since 2009.

Hastings Utilities understands the impact the high utility bills are having on our customers.  Hastings Utilities offers a budget billing plan.

Customers pay a set amount each month to avoid the peaks and valleys of utility bills.  The Customer Service Department offers payment arrangements as well.   Hastings Utilities also encourages, whenever possible, to conserve on energy consumption and simple home updates/improvements to make your residence more energy efficient.  Located in the Customer Service lobby, Hastings Utilities offers free information on how to make your home more energy efficient.  For more details on your customer service needs, feel free to call any customer service representative at (402) 463-1371 or email Customer Service.

Published Date: 01/30/2023

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