Published: September 03, 2008 11:44 pm         

ONG customers can lock in winter cost

Oklahoma Natural Gas customers will have the option of locking in the per-unit cost of the natural gas they use this winter if they choose to enroll in the company’s Voluntary Fixed-Price Plan.

The program price for natural gas will be $11.048 per dekatherm, effective for the 12-month period that begins Nov. 1.

“The Voluntary Fixed-Price Plan is a customer choice program that we offer to help customers manage their natural gas bills,” said ONG President Roger Mitchell. “Participating in this program does not guarantee savings, but it is an option to help reduce the volatility of natural gas prices on customers’ bills.”

Customers who participate will continue to pay the normal service and delivery charges, and their bills still will vary some according to the volume of natural gas they use. But the cost of the natural gas fuel will not change.

Mitchell said customers who participate in the Voluntary Fixed-Price Plan may pay more or less over a 12-month period than customers who continue to pay the company’s normal system price for natural gas. Oklahoma Natural Gas realizes no profit on the sale of natural gas; the company earns a return through regulated charges associated with delivering the natural gas.

Enrollment in the Volun-tary Fixed-Price Plan is open to residential and small commercial customers (those using 150 dekatherms or less annually) and will continue through Oct. 24. ONG customers will receive more information about the plan and an enrollment form with their September bills. Cus-tomers also may enroll by calling (800) 208-7267 or online at www.Oklahoma naturalgas.com.b