SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Cold weather isn't anywhere on the horizon but utilities have supplies locked because prices are low.
Senior Manager for Northwestern Energy Clyde Gross says they have filled up on natural gas.
Gross says Northwestern prices will be similar to last winter for residential customers. He adds that if we get the cold that he says "they're promising" the bill may be up but it will be because of usage and not because of price.
Gross says the Huron-based company contracts ahead for most of the gas they expect to use each winter.
He says this year Northwestern is contracted for 65%. That's because the market is so weak that the model calls for the company not to contract as much.
Gross says there are multiple supply lines and he doesn't expect disruptions.
He say the pipelines have done a great job, the Interstate Pipeline is meticulous in maintaining their infrastructure. He says they've also tapped a couple of other reserves and adds "I think we're ready for winter."
Northwestern supplies natural gas to 60 communities in South Dakota and 4 in Nebraska.