Pennsylvania residents who rely on natural gas to heat their homes this winter are set to see a small but welcome drop in their monthly bills, thanks to a recent adjustment by the National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation. As of November 1, 2025, the company’s quarterly submission to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has taken effect, lowering the monthly bill for a typical residential customer—one who uses about 96,500 cubic feet of gas annually—by $2.01. That means the average bill drops from $87.78 to $85.77, a change that, while modest, comes at a time when many households are watching every dollar.
This decrease isn’t just a random act of generosity. According to National Fuel, the drop is driven by lower market prices for natural gas. The company is quick to point out that gas supply costs are passed along to customers dollar for dollar, with no mark-up or profit for National Fuel itself. "Gas supply costs are passed along to customers dollar for dollar with no mark-up or profit to National Fuel," the company reiterated in its official statement. Pennsylvania utility companies are permitted to update their gas supply charges on a quarterly basis, so customers can expect the next adjustment to come on February 1, 2026, depending on how the market shifts.
For those who like to compare prices or shop around for suppliers, National Fuel’s price-to-compare gas commodity charge has also been lowered to $0.54463 per 100 cubic feet. This figure, clearly detailed on the National Fuel bill under Gas Supply Charges, serves as a reference point for customers considering alternate gas suppliers.
But the financial picture for some Pennsylvanians is more complicated this year, thanks to a delay in a key federal assistance program. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which many families count on to help cover their heating bills, is opening late for the 2025–2026 season. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced that the program’s start has been pushed back to December 3, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and lack of federal funding. "The decision to postpone the opening of the LIHEAP season to Dec. 3 is due to the program being federally funded and administered by DHS," as reported by WTAJ. LIHEAP is designed to ensure that low-income residents can keep their homes warm during the coldest months, and approved funding is paid directly to households’ utility companies or home heating fuel providers.
The delay in LIHEAP’s opening is causing concern for those who depend on it, especially given the potential for early cold snaps before December. In the meantime, National Fuel is encouraging customers who are struggling to pay their bills to reach out for help. The company’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) offers affordable monthly payments and even the possibility of having outstanding balances forgiven at the time of enrollment. CAP is available to residential customers with a household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Importantly, anyone who qualifies for LIHEAP will also be eligible for CAP. To apply, customers can visit National Fuel’s website or call 1-800-365-3234 for more information.
Additional support is available through the Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund, which provides up to $500 in one-time home-heating support grants. This assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be used to prevent service disconnection, pay current or past-due energy bills (excluding electric utilities), or buy any type of home heating fuel. To be eligible, applicants must meet at least one of several conditions: being age 55 or older, living in a household below 200% of the federal poverty level, having a disability or medical emergency, being a veteran, receiving unemployment benefits, or having recently lost income. More details are available on National Fuel’s website or by phone.
For those especially worried about losing their heat as winter approaches, there’s a bit of a safety net. Pennsylvania’s annual winter utility shutoff moratorium runs from December 1 through March 31. This policy prevents regulated utility companies from shutting off services to customers whose incomes are at or below 250% of the federal poverty level during the coldest months. It’s a critical protection for many families who might otherwise face the harsh reality of a winter without heat.
National Fuel also reminds customers about basic safety. If you ever smell natural gas—a scent often described as similar to rotten eggs—the message is simple: leave fast. "If a rotten-egg natural gas odor is present, leave the premises immediately and call National Fuel’s 24/7/365 emergency line at 1-800-444-3130, from a different location," the company advises. If you smell gas outdoors, the protocol is just as urgent: leave the area, call the emergency number, and provide the nearest address to the site of the odor. More information about natural gas safety is available on the company’s website.
National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation is no small player in the region. As the utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company, it provides natural gas service to roughly 2.2 million residents in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. That’s a lot of homes relying on the company not only for heat, but also for clear communication and support—especially when times are tough.
For those who want to stay proactive, National Fuel encourages customers to reach out before financial troubles become emergencies. "Customers who are having trouble paying their bills are strongly encouraged to call National Fuel at 1-800-365-3234 to learn more about available programs and services," the company’s statement reads. Whether it’s through CAP, the Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund, or help navigating government programs like LIHEAP, there are options for those in need.
Looking ahead, the next few months will be telling. The hope is that federal funding will be restored in time for LIHEAP to open as planned on December 3, 2025, and that market prices for natural gas remain favorable. In the meantime, National Fuel’s quarterly adjustment offers a bit of relief, and the company’s suite of assistance programs stands ready to help those who need it most.
For more details about these programs, safety tips, or to apply for assistance, customers can visit www.nationalfuel.com or call the numbers provided. In a year marked by uncertainty and tight budgets, every dollar—and every bit of support—counts.
