Frequently Asked Questions
Rate adjustments effective April 1st, 2023
The Régie de l'Énergie approved an adjustment to natural gas rates effective April 1, 2023. Every three months, we carefully review market prices and compare them with current rates. We adjust the rate upwards or downwards as called for. The rate adjustment effective April 1, 2023 will result in some changes.
The natural gas bill consists of five elements: a minimum monthly obligation, the distribution charge, the transportation charge, the supply charge and the carbon tax. The April 1, 2023 adjustment announces a decrease in the price per molecule of natural gas and a decrease in the price of transportation as well as a slight decrease in the price of balancing (included in the distribution tariffs).
For a residential customer
For the residential rate (Rate 2), based on annual volumes of 2,000m3, that represented a decrease of -13.14% including the adjustment in the cost of gas, for an annual decrease of $205.
Based on monthly volumes of 160m3, that represented a decrease of 18.96% including the adjustment in the cost of gas, for a total monthly decrease of $16.
For a commercial customer
For the commercial rate (Rate 1), based on annual volumes of 22,749m3, that represented a decrease of 18.96% including the adjustment in the cost of gas, for an annual reduction of $2 284.
Based on monthly volumes of 1,500m3, that represented a decrease of 18,70% , including the adjustment for the cost of gas, for a total monthly decrease of $151.
Recap of the January 1, 2023 rate adjustment
The rate adjustment that came into effect on January 1, 2023 led to an increase in some components as well as the previous year's adjustment.
In North American markets, the price of natural gas varies throughout the year. The price of natural gas is influenced by several factors including supply and demand, weather and the price of other energy sources. The price of fossil fuels is rising sharply, driven by an increase in demand for this type of energy.
Regarding the merchandise (the commodity price of natural gas and the transportation charge from western Canada to Gatineau), Gazifère is supplied and then billed by Enbridge.
Any difference between what Gazifère paid Enbridge for those services throughout the year and what it charged you during the year is recorded in an account and then liquidated in the following year. For our customers, depending on the year, that difference amounts to a charge or a credit.
Currently, the Previous year adjustment appearing on the customer’s bill stems from the liquidation of that account for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2021, amounting to a charge for residential and commercial customers.
For a residential customer
The adjustment is 0.38 ¢/m3, and is based on total consumption for 2021. For a residential customer (Rate 2) with annual average consumption of 2,000 m3, that adjustment amounts to a charge of $7.60 (2,000 m3 X $0.0038 = charge of $7.60)
For a commercial customer
The adjustment is 0.37 ¢/m3, and is based on total consumption for 2021. For a commercial customer (Rate 1) with annual average consumption of 22,749 m3, that adjustment amounts to a charge of $84.17 (22,749 m3 X $0.0037 = charge of $84.17)
The natural gas bill consists of five elements: a minimum monthly obligation, the distribution charge, the transportation charge, the supply charge and the carbon tax. The October 1, 2022 adjustment affected most of the elements, but mainly the natural gas supply charge.
On your bill, the impact of this increase was directly linked to your consumption. Considering that 60% of the annual consumption of natural gas occurs in winter, your consumption should be significantly less in spring and summer.
For a residential customer
For the residential rate (Rate 2), based on annual volumes of 2,000m3, that represented a 4.16% increase, including the adjustment in the cost of gas, for an annual increase of $62.
Based on monthly volumes of 160m3, that represented a 4.13% increase, including the adjustment in the cost of gas, for a monthly increase of $5.
For a commercial customer
For the commercial rate (Rate 1), based on annual volumes of 22,749m3, that represented a 5.69% increase, including the adjustment for the cost of natural gas, for an annual increase of $689.
Based on monthly volumes of 1,500m3, that represented a 5.62% increase, including the adjustment for the cost of gas, for a monthly increase of $45.
Absolutely! Natural gas is still approximately 18% less expensive than electricity, and 30% less expensive than fuel oil.
As well, natural gas offers unmatched comfort compared to the other energy sources.
Gazifère suggests simple, efficient and practical solutions to reduce your energy consumption, such as the installation of a smart thermostat. As well, Gazifère offers its customers a $100 cash incentive when they purchase and install one. Click here for additional information.
Never shut off your thermostat, instead program it and set a 3-degree Celsius difference between the temperature you want when you’re home and the temperature when you go out or go to bed.
For additional information about our energy efficiency programs, check our guide on cash incentives.
Gazifère offers its customers a free budget management tool, the Budget Billing Plan (BBP). The BBP spreads the total cost of your annual natural gas consumption over twelve monthly bills, from September to August. However, in order to take into account your consumption and fluctuations in the price of natural gas, your monthly payments are revised twice a year. Enrolment in BBP is free and can be cancelled at no charge at any time.
Gazifère offers its customers cash incentives, some of which are designed to introduce energy-saving measures. For additional information, consult our guide.
Gazifère is always prepared to offer payment agreements. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss this. You can reach us at 819-771-8321.
