Consumers have seen natural gas prices rise during the last decade, sometimes dramatically.  From March 2006 to February 2007, the average price utilities paid their gas suppliers was about 3 times the level seen in the 1990s. 

Prices for natural gas supplies are not regulated, they are set in an open, nation-wide market.  Over the past decade, natural gas supplies have remained fairly constant, while demand for natural gas has grown, causing prices to rise. These market-driven prices have presented challenges to residential and business customers alike.

Nationally, natural gas prices could be reduced by:

• Increasing natural gas supplies, which could include drilling in new areas or importing supplies from other countries


• Decreasing demand by reducing consumption with conservation, including the use of more efficient appliances, or if feasible, switching to alternative fuels

Since both of these actions take time to implement and have an effect, it is likely that today’s high prices will continue for some time.

For more information on natural gas prices over the past several years see "Why Do Natural Gas Rates Change?" and the Wisconsin Department of Administration website.

For more information on what you as a customer can do to reduce your use, see Energy Conservation.