The price for natural gas has doubled since April. Nicor Gas spokesperson Jennifer Golz says that’s a cost Nicor passes on to customers without profiting. It may not be a big deal to most customers in the summertime, but it will be if the price doesn’t come down by the fall when people start turning on their furnaces.
The $1.11 per therm on the most recent bills reflects uncertainty in the market due to the energy supply. Golz says it’s affected by things like politics and conflicts around the world.
Nicor has a service called the Community Connection Center to help people find financial aid paying their utility bills and cutting their energy use. There’s financial aid to cover bills. And there are rebates for insulating and sealing a home. People usually associate insulating and sealing with stopping cold air drafts in the winter, but it’s good for keeping the warm air out in the summer too.
A few tips to cut energy use in the summer are to keep a water heater (gas or electric) from using too much. Set is to 120° instead of the popular 140°. Consider turning it off while you’re on vacation. Put insulation on pipes. And fix leaky faucets.