Average Columbia Gas budget plan to cost $66 per month

Staff report

Youngstown

Columbia Gas of Ohio announced Monday that its average budget payment plan will cost $66 a month for 2012-13, down $9 from this year’s projected amount and among the lowest amounts of the last decade.

The budget payment plan spreads natural-gas costs evenly over a 12-month period, decreasing winter heating bills. The company’s fiscal year begins in August.

Abundant new supplies of natural gas have helped drive prices down by more than half in recent years.

In August 2008, the projected budget amount was $133 a month.

Each customer’s budget billing amount is different, and it may be higher or lower than the average.

The amount is based on the historical gas-usage patterns for their home, the projected cost of natural gas on the wholesale market and current rates for service and delivery.

Customers can enroll through an option on their bill, online at ColumbiaGasOhio.com or by calling 800-344-4077 and following voice prompts.