BERLIN, CT — According to Yankee Gas, following last year’s record winter warmth and lower energy prices, consumers can expect to pay higher energy prices across the board this heating season. The utility says that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is expecting a 12% increase in demand for natural gas compared to last year, assuming that weather conditions are normal. The DOE is also predicting natural gas prices will increase 19% on average nationally, compared to last year, while heating oil will increase an average of 45%.

“The weather is always the wild card,” said Marc Andrukiewicz, director of gas management at Yankee Gas. “We could have another mild winter, like last year, or it could be much colder. Either way, the weather has an effect on demand and, consequently, price.”

Heading into the winter heating season, Andrukiewicz assures customers that Yankee Gas is in the position to meet customer demand this winter. In addition to storage supplies, the company says that it works to buy gas under a mix of contracts designed to deliver the best value.

Yankee Gas is looking to construct a liquefied natural gas facility, which Andrukiewicz said would allow the company to buy gas when prices and demand are typically low, store it, and then use it when prices and demand go higher.

For more information on Yankee programs, go to www.yankeegas.com (website).

Publication date: 10/21/2002