|
Well, I'm a gas man. I actually work at the largest natural gas company in Canada, and the oldest in North America. I take my gas seriously.
In our franchise area, gas service has been continuous for 160 years (this year) and subsequently the service infrastructure is well established and understood. It is by far the cheaper alternative for home & water heating. Price volatility is a scare tactic. There are a lot of energy re-sellers that offer bundles and contracts over a period of years which are almost never worth it.
I have never left system gas, and currently pay about 28 cents per cubic metre. The resellers have people locked into contracts for 35 to 40 cents /cm for several years banking on the fear that gas prices will sky rocket.
The thing is the prices are regulated through the energy board, and subsequently do not fluctuate without a rate case argument brought before the board.
Electricity, however, is poised to increase in price. The current 4.3 cent / KwH is a low base, which will change once the energy board approves the stepped rating application by the Hydro companies as they have implemented a smart metre programme. They will be looking for coverage of the cost of the metre through rates as well.
In the end, gas is closer to the pipe. electricity is often produced using gas. and is subsequently more expensive.
Local conditions may vary as well (temperature, degree days, rates, metre types, usage etc)
I love that gas also provides me with great cooking (the oven, stove, bbq) and faster/cheaper hot water. On the equal billing programme, I pay about $120/month for gas, and usually in August, there is no payment. this is considering the cold winter up here too.
|