Customers warned of higher utility bills

After the arctic temperatures blanketed the region last week, the Superior Utilities Department is reminding residents they will likely see a sharp increase in their upcoming utility bill.

On average the residential monthly gas usage doubled and the electric usage was not far behind that. Additionally, the cost for the commodity itself increased as gas usage skyrocketed across the country and several power plants went out of service because of the extreme temperatures.

The local utilities tried to control these costs through a variety of real time decisions. The local gas department purchased additional natural gas the first week of February and used the gas in storage to reduce market exposure to the volatile gas prices.

Additionally, the electric utility purchased firm electric contracts to lock in prices to prevent inconsistencies in the real time market and reduce the price risk.

It is anticipated the average resident will see a large increase in their utility bill however the planning that was done prior to the event taking place will help to keep that increase as manageable as possible.

Superior Utilities customers who anticipate having trouble paying the higher bills and want to make arrangements for their utility bill are being asked to contact the city utility office as soon as possible so a payment plan can be arranged.