The following letter was submitted to Indiana newspapers on July 18, 2008:

Editor,

Consumers should expect dramatically higher natural gas prices this winter. While it is too early for Indiana natural gas utilities to predict the exact impact on heating bills, the trend in the competitive national market is cause for serious concern.

National wholesale natural gas prices are very close to the all-time records set in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. In addition, current NYMEX futures costs are substantially higher than previous records for July - the time most gas utilities throughout the nation are filling winter storage supplies.

Useful tips at www.IN.gov/OUCC and energy audit tools on various utility Websites can help consumers reduce consumption and better manage their bills. Natural gas and electric utilities offer budget billing options that can provide consumers with greater predictability when planning ahead.

Most importantly, I encourage consumers to keep the communication lines open with their utilities - especially if facing a financial hardship. If a particular bill cannot be paid in full and on time, it is crucial that the consumer contact the utility immediately to make payment arrangements to ensure costs are managed during the heating season.

A. David Stippler
Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor

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