Winter Weather Outlook

Weather can have a large effect on customers' energy consumption.

As East Tennessee moves closer to winter, KUB strives to inform customers on what to expect this year. 

Historical data can provide a good starting point for consumption estimates.

In 2024, the average natural gas customer consumption was XX dekatherms. This means the average natural gas customer bill of $XX. The average electric customer consumption was XXX kilowatt-hours with an average bill of $XX.

• Add caveats here? Last year was warmer/colder/extreme weather event

The National Weather Service is forecasting a warmer/colder/average winter this year. That means customer usage may be higher/lower/same as last year. (confirm with Sherri how they factor weather)

Customers will see the following rate changes in 2025 that will affect winter bills.

 

KUB Energy Rate Changes

In 2024, KUB's Board of Commissioners approved a 3 percent rate increase on KUB's natural gas rates. This rate increase is set to go into effect in October 2025 and will be reflected on November bills.

A typical residential batural gas customer can expect a monthly impact of $1.95.

In 2024, KUB's Board of Commissioners approved a 3 percent rate increase on KUB's electric rates. This rate increase is set to go into effect in April 2026.

A typical residential electric customer can expect a monthly impact of $3.85.

Funding for KUB’s systems comes from local ratepayers and the use of debt to spread costs out long-term for both current and future ratepayers. This includes KUB's Century II infrastructure replacement and maintenance program. Customers can learn more about Century II here.

 

Natural Gas Supplier Rate Increase

In 2025, East Tennessee Natural Gas (ETNG) pipeline, owned by Enbridge, Inc., filed for a XXX  percent rate increase with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Enbridge, Inc. is KUB's largest natural gas supplier.

Preliminary estimates indicate the impact on KUB natural gas customer bills will be $XX per month. This increase will go into effect October 2025 and will be reflected on November bills. 

As a not-for-profit utility, KUB passes 100 percent of supplier rate changes on to its customers. All changes in wholesale costs, whether for pipeline costs or wholesale natural gas cost, are passed to customers through the Purchased Gas Adjustment mechanism (PGA). This also means when suppliers lower their rates, customers will also see lower rates.