At NSTAR, we're committed to delivering great service. Part of that commitment means offering ways for our customers to receive more consistent billing options.
In November, NSTAR Gas will, once again, be offering the opportunity for our residential and small business gas customers to "lock in" a specific price per therm for the Gas Supply Charge portion of your bill. If you choose to enroll in this program, called the "Fixed Price Option," you will pay one fixed price per therm for the Gas Supply Charge portion of your bill even if the price of natural gas changes during the winter heating season.
Enrollment for the NSTAR Gas Fixed Price Option for the 2008/2009 winter season will begin this Fall. NSTAR Gas residential and small commercial customers will be notified, by mail, once the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approves the 2008 - 2009 winter-season gas supply charge (expected in late October/early-November).
If you are an NSTAR Gas customer, please keep an eye out for the notification for enrollment details.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is NSTAR's Fixed Price Option? With the Fixed Price Option, you can avoid natural gas pricing fluctuation and receive more consistent billing. Our residential and small business gas customers will be able to "lock in" a specific price per therm for the Gas Supply Charge portion of your bill. If you choose to enroll in this program, you will pay one fixed price per therm for the Gas Supply Charge portion of your bill even if the price of natural gas changes during this period.
What is the fixed price for the 2008 - 2009 heating season? The 2008 - 2009 guaranteed Fixed Price Option Gas Supply Charge price has not been determined yet. Once the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approves the 2008 - 2009 winter-season gas supply charge, customers will receive an application letter outlining the 2008 - 2009 Fixed Price Option supply charge and can decide whether they'd like to apply via mail or online at our website, www.nstar.com. We anticipate that we will notify customers sometime in late October or early November.
If I don't enroll in the Fixed Price Option what will my Gas Supply Charge price be this winter? The standard Gas Supply Charge price for the winter has not been determined yet. Once the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approves the 2008 - 2009 winter-season gas supply charge, NSTAR will send the Fixed Price Option application in the mail.
What is the difference between the Fixed Price Option rate and the standard Gas Supply Charge price? The difference between the Fixed Price Option rate and the standard rate is that the standard rate may increase or decrease as the market price of natural gas fluctuates. Price fluctuations are market-driven and it's difficult for NSTAR Gas to predict what those market conditions or prices will be. The Fixed Price Option rate will remain constant throughout the winter heating season.
Will the fixed price represent the entire amount on my monthly gas bill? No. Your monthly natural gas bill has two components: a Gas Delivery Charge and a Gas Supply Charge. The Fixed Price Option will only affect the Gas Supply Charge on your bill.
The Gas Supply Charge tends to fluctuate based on the world energy market. NSTAR, however, manages the Gas Delivery portion of your bill and we've been able to maintain consistent delivery rates with little-to-no increase over the past ten years.
When will I see the new rate on my bill? The Fixed Price Option rate will take effect on the first billing cycle after your application is processed and will be referenced on your bill. The Fixed Price Option rate will be reflected on your bill through April 30, 2009.
Can I drop out of the Fixed Price Option program at any time during the winter? No. If you enroll in the Fixed Price Option, you will remain in the program for the entire heating season (through April 30).
Can I sign up for all of my NSTAR Gas accounts? Yes. If you have multiple accounts with NSTAR Gas, please return one application for each account number or visit us online to apply for each account separately. Applications will be mailed to you in early November.
I am on Budget Billing, can I still apply for the Fixed Price Option? Yes. This program is available to customers that are billed on Budget Billing.
What happens to my gas bill after April 30, 2009? Customers on the Fixed Price Option will automatically be placed back on the regular, standard NSTAR Gas pricing on May 1, 2009. In the fall of 2009, NSTAR will notify all applicants as a reminder of enrollment. At that time, you may continue to participate in next winter's Fixed Price Option program or de-enroll from the program.
If I am enrolled in the Fixed Price Option program and I move, do I get to keep the rate at my new home? Yes. You will be able to carry that rate with you to your new home as long as you move within the NSTAR Gas service area.
How do I sign up? NSTAR will notify all NSTAR Gas residential and small commercial customers once the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approves the 2008 - 2009 winter-season gas supply charge.
Please keep an eye out for the notification from NSTAR Gas and/or return to our website to enroll in late October/early November. Please note, NSTAR will be accepting a limited amount of participants for this new program, on a first-come, first-served basis.
