Annual fixed rate plans feature stability in your energy cost. You pay the same rate for natural gas each month of the year.

Fluctuations in the market price will not affect your rate. If the market price increases, you are locked in at the lower rate.

However, if market rates decrease, you continue to be billed at your locked rate.

The alternative energy supplier usually reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee.

Seasonal Fixed Rate Plans feature a fixed rate for summer months (April - October), and the winter months (November - March).

These plans provide budget certainty by seasonal periods of the year, and provide more opportunity to enjoy lower fixed rates than fixing an annual rate.

The natural gas market often falls in the summer providing opportunity to buy lower prices for the next winter.

Winter month pricing (Nov. - March) will be published and customers notified by mid-September.

Quarterly Rate plans feature a fixed rate quarterly providing you stability in your energy costs while reflecting current market trends. As rates fall, you can benefit quarterly, rather than having to wait until the end of a 1-year fixed rate.

No cancellation fee.

Seasonal rate plans feature a variable rate for the summer months (May - October), with a fixed rate during the winter months (November - April).

Provides budget certainty in the winter when natural gas prices typically spike.

Rates fluctuate monthly with the natural gas market. Your rate may increase or decrease with the trend of the market. Monthly rates are typically published 10 days prior to the month.

No cancellation fee.

For your protection, the billed rate will never exceed the listed cap rate in any month during the contract term.

The actual billed rate will be lower than the cap rate when the market is lower than the capped rate.

No cancellation fee.

Varying with market fluctuations (up or down) over the term of the contract, this rate plan is based on a published index which is traded at a selected pipeline point in the market.

Variable rate option that ties monthly natural gas prices to the NYMEX.

This rate plan is a combination of fixed and variable rates. Typically, half of the rate is guaranteed for the term of the agreement, similar to a Fixed Rate, and the other half of the rate is variable. The variable portion is usually reset periodically based on market prices. The result is some protection against price increases, but some opportunity to benefit if prices decline.

The natural gas Statistical Procurement Strategy offers an analytical risk management tool that takes the emotion and subjectivity out of buying natural gas. The strategy aims to reduce exposure to market volatility and help decide when, what amount, and how far ahead to buy natural gas. This plan seeks more predictable energy costs and a fully integrated natural gas solution that doesn't require the customer's constant attention.

Benefits of the natural gas Statistical Procurement Strategy:

Simplicity - Statistical analysis tools and models incorporate pre-defined purchase parameters, a long-term purchasing horizon, and a systematic buying approach to mitigate price risks. This simplifies the decision-making process by statistically determining appropriate price targets.
Reduced Risk - The Statistical Procurement Strategy continually tracks the market and compares the current market to historical pricing trends. Using this solid statistical analysis, an experienced team of analyst and supply support will buy predetermined volumes as the model signals either to buy at times of opportunity in the market, or to protect at times of peril in the market.
Potential Savings Opportunities - Even though it helps insulate against extreme price spikes, the Statistical Procurement Strategy does allow you to participate in downside market opportunities.