I don’t know about the Public Service Commission’s timing, but you won’t be able to say they didn’t warn you. With temps soaring — and electric bills with them — the state PSC issued a news release today to warn us to get ready for punishing heating bills this winter because of the rise in natural gas prices.
Bottom line: CenterPoint customers can expect a 24 percent increase. Arkansas Western bills will rise 31 percent. Arkansas Oklahoma bills will rise 48 percent. These are estimates only. Could be better. Could be worse. Winterize, levelize, etc. But be prepared to hurt. Or shiver.
The gas suppliers will only be recovering the cost of gas, suffering customers are reminded by the PSC. But if you don’t believe somebody’s making a profit along the way just pick up any business section with reports on record profits by energy producers.