CU projects lower bills for residential customers in fall, winter

City Utilities of Springfield's residential customers are likely to see lower bills this fall and winter, the utility announced.

Officials with CU cited "lower market prices for natural gas this year and lower actual fuel costs for electricity last year" in releasing the projections in a news release.

Residential natural gas customers who use the average of 127 therms per month are expected to see a decrease of $40 per month from December through March.

"Natural gas bills will also be lower this winter thanks to the pay-off of unprecedented fuel costs associated with winter storm Uri in 2021. To reduce the burden on customers, the additional costs were spread out on customer bills over two years. That cost recovery is now complete, resulting in lower bills for customers," officials said in the release.

In the fall and winter, electric customers can expect to pay $3.90 less per 1,000 killowatt-hours than the last six months and $15.20 less per 1,000 kWh compared with October 2022 through March 2023.

While a 5.3% increase in water rates is starting this month, CU projects an overall decrease in bills for customers who use the utility company for electricity, natural gas and water, according to the release.