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Though natural gas costs may change, CenterPoint Energy is always looking for ways to help our customers. In the past year, we have seen the prices we pay for goods and services rise and fall. The cost of energy is no different. CenterPoint Energy neither controls nor profits from the cost of natural gas. Although the cost of natural gas can shift, heating with energy-efficient natural gas heating systems is reliably cost-effective. Our responsibility to you will always remain the same. We remain committed to safely and reliably delivering your natural gas.

Understand your bill​    ​

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Why am I being charged a Distribution & Service Charge?

  • The Distribution & Service Charge refers to the amount customers pay for equipment and services that allow CenterPoint Energy to continue providing safe, reliable natural gas service. This includes pipeline maintenance, system enhancements and technology investments that help manage energy use. Also included in this charge is the cost of transporting our customers’ natural gas based on the amount of natural gas used.

What is the Gas Cost Charge?

  • The Gas Cost Charge is based on customer usage and changes depending on how much natural gas is used and the variable market cost of natural gas. The cost of natural gas billed to the customer is not marked up. CenterPoint Energy is not making money off this cost and simply passes through the cost we pay for natural gas.

How can I get assistance paying my bill?

  • If you need payment assistance, we encourage you to contact your local Indiana Community Action Agency, which administers the Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for income-eligible natural gas and electric customers. They can provide intake information about the application process and program requirements.
  • For Indiana natural gas customers, the Universal Service Program (USP) provides a monthly discount on residential gas charges during the heating season.
  • To qualify for EAP and USP, your annual household income cannot exceed 60% of the State Median Income poverty guidelines, found here: in.gov/ihcda/homeowners-and-renters/

Your monthly bill includes a Fuel Adjustment Charge (FAC). Here are some important facts for you to know:

    The Fuel Adjustment Charge includes the difference between the fuel costs that were billed and the fuel costs that were actually incurred during a prior three-month period.

  • As we provide reliable electric service to our customers, fuel costs (such as for coal and natural gas) can fluctuate due to market conditions and other factors.
  • The Fuel Adjustment Charge also includes a projection of fuel costs for the three months to be billed. The combination of these projected fuel costs and the variance in prior fuel costs are then reconciled with the fuel costs contained in our approved base rates.
  • Depending on whether this calculation is positive or negative, the Fuel Adjustment Charge can be either a credit or an addition to your bill. (In fact, it has usually been a bill credit during the past decade when fuel prices tended to be more stable.)
  • CenterPoint Energy does not profit from the Fuel Adjustment Charge. Fuel savings or extra costs are passed through directly to your bill.

    The Fuel Adjustment Charge is updated every three months, subject to regulatory review and approval.

  • Each quarterly update of the Fuel Adjustment Charge requires approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
  • We must demonstrate to the IURC that we have acquired fuel and generated or purchased power at the lowest cost reasonably possible to provide reliable electric service to our customers.
  • All regulated electric utilities in Indiana have Fuel Adjustment Charges that are updated and approved by the IURC on a quarterly basis

    An updated Fuel Adjustment Charge will take effect with your February 2023 bill and remains in effect for your March and April 2023 bills.

  • We have proposed a Fuel Adjustment Charge for February-April 2023, which is currently under review by the IURC.
  • As proposed, for a typical CenterPoint Energy residential customer using 1,000 kWh of electricity, this updated Fuel Adjustment Charge would mean an increase of approximately $13.20 per month for February-April 2023.
  • This increase reflects significantly higher fuel costs and an increase in purchased power during the June-August 2022 reconciliation period.
  • Other investor-owned electric utilities in Indiana are applying similar increases with their Fuel Adjustment Charges.
 

​Safety and system reliability are important

Pipeline replacement is important for the continued safe, reliable delivery of natural gas. Updated infrastructure helps reduce operational emissions which is an important part of our commitment to a cleaner environment. Since 2009, through an investment of $120 million, more than 215 of the planned 310 miles of bare steel and cast iron pipes have been replaced in Southwest Indiana. This effort has created local jobs, stimulated the local economy, reduced methane emissions and helped to provide continued safety and reliability for our communities. Check our online map to see if we are working in your area.


#We are working together in pursuit of a Smart Energy Future influenced by customers. We are committed to continued reliability through a balanced and flexible energy mix and to helping to create a cleaner environment driven by increased renewables and significant carbon reductions, all while responsibly managing costs.