Today's Feature
Cost of Gas Rate Set for Winter.

News Release

In a filing before the Missouri Public Service Commission, Missouri Gas Energy set its winter cost of gas rate at $1.16771 per one hundred cubic feet (CCF), and increase of $0.25267 over the current rate of $0.91504 per CCF, which has been in place since July 1, 2005. The new cost of gas rate took effect on November 1.

"The price of energy, including natural gas, continues to be high all over the country and that’s bad for MGE and our customers. The price we pay for gas is exactly what customers pay. MGE does not benefit from the price of gas - only from the delivery of the gas to our customers," said Rob Hack, Vice President of Pricing and Regulatory Affairs for MGE. "We want what our customers want; an abundant supply of natural gas at affordable prices."

"National and local news sources have been reporting higher wholesale natural gas prices for some time now. Even with the measures MGE has taken throughout the year to manage our gas purchases in this volatile market, customers can expect to see a 30 to 40% increase in their 2005 winter bills compared to 2004," said Hack.

The weather significantly impacts how much gas customers use. Colder than normal weather this winter would increase the total bill even more due to higher consumption in comparison to last winter, which was warmer than normal. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of weatherization and conservation measures to manage their consumption and overall bill amount.

The cost of gas, or PGA/COG, portion of a customer bill is the cost MGE and other distribution companies pay to purchase gas on the open market, plus transportation and storage expenses. MGE does not profit from the price of gas, only on its delivery. The cost of gas charge typically accounts for about two-thirds to three-fourths of a winter bill. Cost of gas rates typically are adjusted in April and November, with two additional adjustments available if needed.

Stench Report:
Tuesday,
11/1/05

No Stench Reported

I’m sure that little fishin’ rod you carry around in your pocket makes a lota sense to some folks. I don’t spend a lota time at the fishin’ hole, but I’ve never actually seen anyone usin’ one a the things.

Now a fly swatter, that’s a real practical gadget cause most anyone can use one effectively. If ya run into someone who can’t operate a fly swatter, keep your distance.

As a kid I put together a series of pulleys and cord to make my bed. ‘Sides nearly gettin’ me strangled one night, it really didn’t save any time. It was just a fun gadget like most ya see.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

• "The best way to soften butter is to let it stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. But if you’re in a hurry, you can slice it into 1/2-inch pats and roll it between sheets of waxed paper. It will only take a minute or so." — I.V. in Connecticut

• "My community has a great way to recycle paint. The recycling center takes it and mixes it all together into a neutral color. Then it is offered free to local non-profit agencies for painting. My volunteer group gets some to freshen up the homes of low-income seniors. It looks great and is great for the environment!" — A.W. in Oregon

• "Use large safety pins to keep socks together in the washer and dryer. I keep a jar of pins near the dirty clothes hamper." — O.B. in Missouri

• "I had an over-the-door shoe rack (the kind with pockets) that ripped at the top. My wife cut off the rows of pockets and stapled some on the inside of the doors under the sink. She puts cleaning supplies in them, and it works great." — P.C. in Florida

• Make audiotapes of your children’s favorite books for them to play when you are busy doing housework, working or cooking.

• "The best investment we ever made was an armoire for our television. Now, with the doors closed, the TV set is not as visible, and we are not as tempted to just turn on the tube as soon as we walk into the family room. Plus, our kids watch a lot less TV." — C.C. in Virginia