National Fuel cutting natural-gas rate 8.2 percent

ERIE, Pa. (AP) — About 214,000 customers of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. in northwestern Pennsylvania will be paying less to heat their homes.

The Buffalo, N.Y.-based utility cut its gas rates by 8.2 percent for the quarter beginning today. The company will have the opportunity to adjust its rates again Feb. 1.

The company says in a statement that drilling in the Marcellus shale formation has boosted supply and lowered prices, which suppliers are required to pass along to consumers.

National Fuel Gas serves customers in 14 northwestern Pennsylvania counties.

The average household customer, who pays for steady gas use year-round, will see their monthly bill fall from $92.51 to $84.92.

Despite the reduction, the company’s gas rates are slightly higher than for the same date last year, when another reduction cut monthly bills from $91.74 to $82.92.