If the utility paid more, customers will pay extra each month to reimburse the company. When rates are adjusted these two elements are combined. Wholesale natural gas prices are going down. When wholesale rates decline to the point that your company is able to project a lower rate in the future AND it has recouped any undercollections as a result of natural gas prices exceeding previous projections, your rate will be reduced. Keep in mind that companies contract for natural gas supplies on a monthly basis.
Monthly prices can vary substantially from the daily spot market rate.
Furthermore, even though prices have dropped, the rate you pay was based on a projection that prices would decrease in the low-demand months of summer. Slight differences result from the fact that each company has their own system for meeting their customers' natural gas needs. This includes arranging contracts with suppliers, using storage facilities and timing their purchases. Cost of operations as a ratio of total cost vary between companies as well. This would be a good time to consider any weatherization and conservation improvements to your home.