ONG Rate Changes Go Into Effect As Temperatures Drop

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

UNDATED -- The cold snap has people all over our area cranking up the heat but many may be surprised when they open up the gas bill.

Oklahoma natural gas had a rate change last month and a News On 6 viewer, Matt, in Tulsa, wants to know why his bill is much higher this month and if the rate change is to blame?

If you were shocked to open your gas bill this month, blame it on old man winter's biting weather and not ONG's rate increase.

"It's not uncommon or unexpected that your bill is going to go up in December, January, February. The cold weather consumption months," said Don Sherry, ONG.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission approved the change as part of a settlement between ONG and its customers in December.

"Why this increase was requested however has to do with the fact that it takes a lot of money to keep that 17,000 mile pipeline system operational," Sherry said.

The big question is "Will your bill go up?" Well, it depends on the price of natural gas and which plan you are on. Your bill may go up by about four dollars, if natural gas prices are lower, than the bill may go down.

"ONG customers are seeing an increase in the service charge, that is the service charge for what we provide, which is delivering the gas to you through our pipeline system," Sherry said.

There are two plans of customers based on individual usage history.

• If you use less than 50 dekatherms a year, you are on Plan A. You'll pay a fixed charge of $11.20 a month and about $3.73 per delivered dekatherm.
• If you use more than 50 dekatherms, you are on plan B. That means you'll pay a fixed charge of $26.75 per month for delivery service.

"Something customers should know, that you have the option of switching plans. If you think you are misplaced on a plan that you will be better served on plan B or over A, you can request to be changed," Sherry said.

Sherry says that to avoid the unexpected surprises with winter bills, enroll in an average payment plan.

Sherry says your bill may be higher in the summer but it is excellent for those planning a budget you can find information about the average payment plan on ONG's web site, http://www.oklahomanaturalgas.com/MyAccount/PaymentOptions/AveragePaymentPlan.aspx.