Effective immediately, Fayetteville Public Utilities customers will see a decrease of 14 cents per hundred cubic feet (ccf) charge on their February natural gas bills. Based on the current trend in New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) market pricing for natural gas, stabilization continues giving some additional relief to merit a second rate decrease for FPU's natural gas service.

In January, FPU was able to decrease its natural gas rate to $1.74 per ccf.  January rates totaled $184.57 for customers using 100 ccf during the month.  In February, FPU is again able to lower its gas rate. This month, the natural gas rate will be billed at $1.60 per ccf. Natural gas customers using 100 ccf should see a billing of $170.92. This is a savings of $13.65 from January to February billing at 100 ccf.

"The rate adjustment will affect customers differently based on the amount of gas you use to heat your home," says Britt Dye, FPU's CEO and General Manager.

"January and February are usually our coldest months, and they require an increased need for heating fuels and energies," Dye continues.  "Depending on your individual heating needs, your natural gas bill may not actually reflect a decrease in the total amount due. Obviously, the more natural gas you use during the month, the more your total bill will be."

"We are glad to see gas rates decreasing for the second month in a row," says Randall Griner, FPU's Natural Gas Operations Superintendent. "Maybe the lower rate will provide a small financial offset to our gas customers."

Colder temperatures do increase our heating costs, so FPU reminds their customers to follow a few simple steps to help manage their heating bills this winter:

First, lower your thermostat on your central heating unit when possible. Even lowering your thermostat by one to two degrees will add up to a few dollars saved each month.

Second, to manage your natural gas bills throughout the year apply for budget billing, a free service for FPU customers. Budget billing averages your bills for natural gas to eliminate the higher bills for winter heating. For example, rather than paying $100 or more during the winter monthsfor natural gas heat, budget billing will help maintain a much lower monthly amount during the winter while increasing your minimum bills in the spring and summer months.  This averaging process helps you plan for a "budgeted" amount over the 12-month period. Call FPU at 433-1522 for details about budget billing for your natural gas and electricity bills.

And third, no matter which energy you heat and cool with, take advantage of the Energy Right Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit. This, too, is a free service through FPU and the Tennessee Valley Authority that offers customized energy-saving advice on ways to reduce overall energy use by implementing home improvement and energy-efficient suggestions. Visit FPU's office to get your paper version of the energy audit or take the online audit by visiting their web site at http://www.fpu-tn.com/. Click on the energy audit link and begin saving money today.