Colder Weather = Higher Energy Costs

This winter's extreme weather is costing homeowners who are using more energy to stay warm. 

Dan Considine with Citizens Energy says the bitter cold has caused natural gas prices to rise but that's not the main reason customers are seeing their bills increase.

"What they are impacted by is the fact that they are using so much more because the weather is so cold," explains Considine.

Utilities buy gas year round and stock pile supplies for the winter.  While supply and demand has caused a spike in prices, consumers won't be paying more unless the costs continue to rise.

Anthony Swinger, spokesman for the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, says the organization works to make sure the utilities are playing fair.

"The law requires utilities to purchase prudently in the wholesale market and we want to make sure that all of those policies are followed properly," says Swinger.

Hoosier utilities are also required to offer budget billing options.  Other ways to save include turning down the thermostat and changing furnace filters.