By Becky Newell Arkla gas customers are raising a stink over their bills this month. Consumers were dumbfounded when they noticed the increase in the cost of natural gas. Many customers found a 35 percent to 50 percent increase in this month s bill. But we can t blame a couple of weeks of harsh weather for the rate hike nor can we expect the rates to change soon.
Natural gas is in high demand all over the country and rates are climbing everywhere.
Here at home, Arkla buys and contracts for its natural gas supply through a competitive market. If Arkla had been watching the market closely and seen the demand pick up nationwide, one suggestion could have been for them to have slowly incorporated an increase over several months instead of all at once plopping it in the customer's lap. If the price hike has you strapped, according to the Arkla Web site, arrangements can be set up to make payments on outstanding balances. Customers can also spread the cost of the customer s usage throughout the year. So for now it seems if we really want to save money the only way to do it is to turn down the thermostat and wrap up in a blanket.