Dear Gas Utility Customer:


ALL ENERGY PRICES ARE GOING UP! Gasoline prices are increasing everyday and natural gas prices charged to Morehead Utility Plant Board are currently higher than last year. Even at the current prices, natural gas is still the best value based on Btu’s compared to propane, heating oil and crude oil. Electric rates are rising also due to the fact that natural gas is used to generate power.


BE PREPARED! DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT IN THE COLD!!!


The following are a few suggestions that will assist you in managing your energy costs for the upcoming winter:


  • Use a programmable thermostat. Each degree your thermostat is reduced can potentially save you 3% on your heating bill. MUPB currently has a program in which you can receive a programmable thermostat installed in your home and you would pay the cost of the thermostat & installation (up to $150 maximum) over a twelve-month period along with your current bill. Feel free to call the administrative office for more details. You can also see the following websites for additional information on programmable thermostats:


    • U.S. Department of Energy - Programmable Thermostats
    Powerhouse - Installing A Programmable Thermostats
    Consumer Information Center - Programmable Thermostats
    Austinenergy.com - Programmable Thermostats
    Flex Your Power - Programmable Thermostats

  • Sign up for budget or levelized billing every year July 1-August 15 to minimize service interruptions due to non-payment.
  • Clean and or replace your furnace filter regularly.
  • If you have a fireplace, keep damper doors closed when not in use.
  • Consider replacement windows – double pane and/or storm windows reduce your energy usage by 25% to 50%.
  • Consider insulating your attic. This could reduce your heat and cooling usage by 30%.
  • Change the rotation of your ceiling fan to clockwise. This will push the warm air at the ceiling down into the living area.
  • Perform annual maintenance on heating equipment for proper operation.
  • Replace older equipment with more efficient natural gas equipment.

Hopefully, this information will help you prepare for the rising energy costs we are facing to heat and cool our homes and businesses. Out commitment is to continue to provide the most efficient energy at the lowest cost possible to our customers. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office.



Sincerely,

R. Mike Nickell
General Manager