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State says winter heating prices to jump

The graph depicts natural gas every dollar per cubic feet delivered to Michigan residents monthly from 1989 to 2022.
Courtesy of the U.S. Energy Information Administration
The graph depicts natural gas every dollar per cubic feet delivered to Michigan residents monthly from 1989 to 2022.

The MPSC says the pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine has driven up prices.

It’s unlikely gas prices will ever be as low as they were ten years ago, said Commission Chair Dan Scripps.

“Two years ago we were in a pandemic. There were historic low prices on a range of commodities, including natural gas, that I think caused a number of drillers to stop their operations," Scripps said. "Those issues can take a number of years to unwind.”

The MPSC’s website has resources to help those in need, he said. Just a small decrease in the thermostat can have a big impact on a bill.

"Do as much as you can to hold onto the heat in your home," Scripps said. "Insulation, caulking of windows, and dialing the thermostat just a couple of degrees can have a pretty significant impact."

Scripps said propane gas did not increase nearly as much—only 10 cents a gallon.

Ben Jodway is an intern, serving as a reporter for WCMU Public Media and the Pioneer in Big Rapids. He has covered Indigenous communities and political extremism in Michigan.