Waukee Historic Cold And Natural Gas Price Jumps To Impact Utility Bills

Press release from the City of Waukee:

February 26, 2021

In Iowa, it is common for utility bills to increase during winter months, as customers use more natural gas for heating purposes. This year, weather and market conditions are impacting utility bills more than in years past.

In Waukee, February 2021 brought with it 13 days with temperatures reading at or below zero. Due to this historic cold streak (the longest/coldest since 1983), Waukee natural gas customers used high levels of gas to heat homes and businesses. Additionally, freezing temperatures and winter storms swept across the Midwest and Texas. The rare low temperatures in Texas led to natural gas wellhead and pipeline freeze-offs, severely constricting supply. Wind turbines and power plants also experienced weather-related failures. During these unusual circumstances, demand for natural gas and electricity jumped throughout the country, and prices on the wholesale market, through which the City of Waukee purchases gas for consumers, soared.

As natural gas utilities are subject to market conditions and as Waukee customers’ total natural gas usage soared in February 2021 (41 percent higher than January 2021), most City of Waukee utility customers will see bills that are higher than usual.

If you receive your bill and are unable to pay the full amount, the Waukee Utility Billing Division is ready to assist in setting up payment plans, starting budget billing or helping to make other arrangements. Call 515-978-5502 or email Utility Billing for assistance or for general questions regarding City of Waukee utility bills.

The Waukee City Council will take action on Monday, March 1 on a recommendation to allocate up to $50,000 to provide low-income residents with utility bill relief.

This press release was produced by the City of Waukee. The views expressed here are the author’s own.