Increasing Costs
(Wakefield, MA) – Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD) customers will notice an increase in the purchased power costs on both the electric and natural gas portions of their monthly bill beginning this month. These increases are the direct result of the rising fuel costs and the volatile energy markets.
The costs are listed on the WMGLD electric portion of the bill as Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause and as Purchased Gas Adjustment Clause on the gas portion of the bill. WMGLD base rates will remain unchanged.
“The energy market is more volatile than it has ever been,” WMGLD General Manager Pete Dion said. “The WMGLD is paying 30 to 40 percent more for gas and electricity than at this time last year. Unfortunately, the power costs associated with the rising fuel prices that are above and beyond what is already built into the base rates are passed on to the customer.”
“Because of this, we are urging all customers to be aware of their energy consumption, especially during the summer months.”
Like most New England utilities, WMGLD’s peak demand occurs during the summer. According to the General Manager, the higher the demand, the higher the wholesale cost of energy utilities purchase, especially when new peaks are reached. WMGLD customers can avoid paying higher bills by reducing their summer electrical consumption and becoming aware of when, and how, they use that electricity and natural gas.
“When we conserve energy on hot and humid days and avoid hitting a new peak, we’re keeping the average prices down for everyone,” Dion added.
The WMGLD is actively pursuing ways to cut energy costs in the future. Several projects are on the drawing board and should be operational within five years. The Kimball Lane natural gas intake station is on line and is helping to contain the costs to natural gas customers.
Information about ways to save energy is available on the WMGLD website at www.wmgld.com. Links are also provided to sites that provide further information about the department’s Energy Star appliance rebate program.
Customers can also have a free energy evaluation, or audit, to help determine how to make their home more energy efficient. The service, sponsored by WMGLD, is offered at no cost to residential customers. WMGLD residential customers can call (888) 333-7525 or (888) 335-7203 during regular business hours to talk with a professional energy advisor, ask questions and receive advice about ways to cut their energy bills. A complete home energy analysis may also be scheduled at that time. Customers can also obtain additional information at www.munihelps.org.
Additional information can also be obtained by contacting WMGLD at 781-246-6363.