PNM Natural Gas Prices Up In February

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) – Public Service Company of New Mexico says its natural gas prices are up in February, but they’re still cheaper than in February 2007.

The state’s largest utility says its customers will pay 78.79 cents per therm for natural gas this month.

That’s 2.8 percent higher than in January but slightly below the 81-cent per therm price of a year ago. A therm is a unit of heating.

The estimated average use of 105 therms, based on 10 years, would mean an average gas bill of $125.94.

PNM officials say heating bills often are highest this time of year, and there are programs for low-income customers to get help with bills. That includes the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)