By Board Order 54/12, the Public Utilities Board approved a 20% reduction in Primary Gas rates for Centra Gas Manitoba Inc., to be effective May 1, 2012.
The new rate for Primary gas will be 8.8 cents per cubic metre, down from 11.05 cents per cubic metre. The Board also approved the removal of rate riders on Transportation and Distribution rates. When combined with the reduction in the Primary Gas rate, annual bills for the residential customer will decrease by approximately 8.6% or $67/year.
Primary gas rates for customers with fixed-term fixed-price contracts with either Centra or a private broker are not affected.
Natural gas commodity prices are volatile, and customers are encouraged to consider energy efficient options including, most importantly, high-efficiency gas-fired furnaces and improved insulation. In this time of low natural gas prices, customers should avail themselves of Manitoba Hydro’s energy efficiency programs, which include special programs for lower income customers. The lower-income furnace replacement program in particular should be attractive to eligible consumers.
A copy of the Order, which contains significant additional information, may be reviewed on the Board’s website www.pub.gov.mb.ca, or be obtained through the Board’s Office.
