Ameren’s Illinois customers to see natural gas prices drop
Written on February 24, 2009
Ameren’s 840,000 natural gas customers in Illinois will see heating prices decline further next month because of a continued weakening in energy demand.
Retail prices for natural gas, which makes up about two-thirds of customers’ bills, will go down 17 percent or 19 percent depending on the utility, St. Louis-based Ameren said. The price for Cilco and CIPS customers will drop to 64 cents a therm from 77 cents. AmerenIP prices will fall to 68 cents from 84 cents.
Natural gas demand has eroded, especially among industrial customers, as the recession lingers. Retail gas prices charged by Ameren’s Illinois utilities have fallen as much as 55 percent since their peak last fall guaranteed unsecured personal loan.
"We also recognize that the extremely cold temperatures that occurred in December and January meant that our customers used more natural gas this year than a year ago," said Scott Glaeser, Ameren’s vice president of gas supply.
Ameren utilities buy gas from producers across the country. Retail prices are adjusted monthly depending on changes in the wholesale market.
jtomich@post-dispatch.com | 314-340-8320
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