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Prepare for High Natural Gas Prices This Winter

MidAmerican Energy

This could be a very expensive winter for residents of the Quad Cities area, and even across the country. That's because the cost of natural gas for heating is rising, and could reach the highest levels since the winter of 2007 and 2008.

Jeff Greenwood, spokesman for MidAmerican Energy, says prices could be double what they were just one year ago. That's when the pandemic resulted in low demand, a glut of natural gas on the market, and very low prices.

"Then as things began to recover demand started to go up, but production and storage did not keep pace. That has put pressure on natural gas prices across the nation, and in fact across the globe."

In recent weeks, Greenwood has seen prices for natural gas in Europe reach as high as 500 per cent greater than just a year ago.

He emphasizes MidAmerican just passes on the cost of natural gas to customers, and there's no impact on rates charged to customers.

To keep winter heating costs down, the company recommends using a "smart" thermostat, sealing windows, better insulation, and scheduling a home heating inspection. There are also programs and agencies that can help people who fall behind on paying their bills.

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A native of Detroit, Herb Trix began his radio career as a country-western disc jockey in Roswell, New Mexico (“KRSY, your superkicker in the Pecos Valley”), in 1978. After a stint at an oldies station in Topeka, Kansas (imagine getting paid to play “Louie Louie” and “Great Balls of Fire”), he wormed his way into news, first in Topeka, and then in Freeport Illinois.