MINNEAPOLIS — People across the U.S. should prepare for an increase in their natural gas bill.
The large winter storm is leading many to turn up their thermostats, but because of that increased demand, many consumers could face a larger price tag on their next natural gas bill.
Contracts for near-term U.S. natural gas futures have jumped more than 70% this week.
Which, according to Bloomberg, means that natural gas is tracking for its largest weekly jump since 1990.
Xcel Energy representatives say they hope the rise in costs will only be a short-term concern for customers.
“Some of this also impacts how we work with our public service commission and regulatory side if there’s a broader impact, but it’s really early to tell that until the market settles down when the system passes, but we believe it’s short term,” said Tony Grindberg, director of business relations at Xcel Energy.
Xcel Energy also says lowering your thermostat and running ceiling fans clockwise can help you use your energy more efficiently.
Drew Berg started at WDAY in May 2025 as a Multimedia Reporting Intern. He also spent time as a Sports Reporting Intern for The Forum in Fall 2024. He is currently a Senior Broadcast Journalism and Multimedia Journalism student at Minnesota State University – Moorhead. Drew started his career in journalism working for MSUM’s Campus News TV program.