Natural Gas Bills Set to Rise by 12% in Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY — Residential natural gas bills are expected to rise this spring due to declining gas inventory across North America and an increase in the federal carbon charge.

Enbridge Gas has applied to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) for an increase in the gas commodity charge to reflect market price changes, with the adjustment set to take effect on April 1.

Additionally, the federal carbon charge will also rise on the same date.

According to Enbridge, the combined impact could mean an annual increase of approximately $136 for customers in Thunder Bay, translating to an average 12% hike in bills.

Under OEB regulations, Enbridge reviews its prices quarterly and adjusts them based on market fluctuations, pending OEB approval.

The company attributes the proposed rate hike to colder weather and declining storage inventory across North America, beyond its own reserves.

To manage costs, Enbridge purchases natural gas during the summer when prices are lower and stores it underground in southwestern Ontario. These reserves, housed in one of the continent’s largest integrated natural gas storage facilities, are used in winter when market prices are typically higher.