Some Practical Rate Advice.
Natural gas rates have increased significantly, even though this heating season was relatively mild and inventories weren't heavily depleted. Unlike in years past, some of this is due to natural gas prices being tied in some extent to the barrel price of crude oil. It's a market dynamic that, as an energy provider, we cannot control. But what we can do is share some suggestions that could help you manage your own energy costs.
At present - and really until we let you know otherwise - we suggest if you are on a variable rate it is in your best interest to remain on it; if your fixed rate is expiring, we recommend you taking a variable rate and monitor The Source or other information resources to lock in a 12 month fixed rate when rates stabilize sometime in the next 3-4 months. Similarly, if you're currently on a fixed rate that you've got worked comfortably into your budget, we suggest you stay there.
Rates will continue to fluctuate with the market - and the Market Specialists at Vectren Source will be monitoring to see how the market reacts with what is projected to be a cooler than normal Spring and a warmer than normal Summer for the Eastern US.
The Market Specialists at Vectren Source continuously evaluate market conditions and are committed to assisting our customers in making wise energy decisions. This is one of the reasons why you chose Vectren Source in the first place! We know you've found it a valuable energy resource as you work to manage your home energy costs. As always, thank you for trusting Vectren Source.
Spring Cleaning Tip!
From the condenser coil to the evaporator coil to the drain lines to the ductwork, your central air conditioning system is a complex system that is easier to maintain than to fix. And this is the time of year to get it looked at by a trained professional who can check your system, make necessary repairs and clean the system of returns and air distribution ducts that crisscross your home. A thorough once-a-year clean and check - of your air conditioning and your heating systems - will keep them running smoothly and efficiently all year long!
Did you know?
Simply using a low-flow showerhead can save up to 10,000 or more gallons of water each year. What's more, they can also significantly reduce hot water usage. Did you also know that recommended temperature settings for your winter heating are 68" while Summer air conditioning is 78 degrees? These are particularly important to consider since more than half of your home's energy costs are typically generated by heating and cooling alone! Why, just leaving your thermostat set a little higher when you're away for one of your Summer getaways could easily pay for a day's parking at the airport. Well, at many airports, anyway!
Miss the last issue of The Source?
View it here!Welcome to the latest edition of The Source, your link to energy news, natural gas industry information and more. In this issue, we'll give you some early predictions on what a cooler than normal Spring season could mean to energy rates. We'll also share some money saving energy tips and introduce you to our new on-line community, The Blue Flame Bistro. As always, there's even more in store, so tell your family and friends because you don't have to be a Vectren Source customer to learn a thing or three from The Source.
Weather Watch.
WSI Corporation has issued an "early look" at the upcoming Summer. WSI expects the upcoming three-month period to be cooler than normal in the Northeast and north and west of a line from San Diego to Minneapolis, with warmer-than-normal temperatures elsewhere. For the upcoming Summer, early indications are that above-normal temperatures will be dominant across the eastern US, with near to slightly below-normal temperatures in the western US. Any efficiencies you can adopt for the upcoming Summer will have an impact on the environment, the marketplace and your budget!
WSI provides customized weather information to energy traders, issues its seasonal outlook twice monthly and is a trusted resource among Vectren Source Market Specialists.
Market Report.
We monitor the natural gas market so you don't have to. That's one of the reasons customers choose Vectren Source in the first place. For the rest of the Spring, cooler-than normal temperatures could mean an above-normal demand for natural gas. This will mean increased withdrawals from inventory and probably slightly higher prices, even though overall inventories will finish above the five-year average. Even with above-normal-temperatures on the horizon for most of our customers, the Market Specialists at Vectren Source still suggest caution with any kind of rate speculation or drastic changes in your service since we don't know what continued impact crude oil prices will have on natural gas prices this Summer. You don't need a degree in economics to keep up with today's volatile energy markets. Just stay tuned to The Source!
Energy Efficiency Always In Stock
| Introducing our Energy Efficiency Emporium, an on-line catalog featuring a host of energy efficient products and services. Air cleaners. HVAC supplies. Space Heaters. Insulation materials. Programmable thermostats. Rechargeable batteries. Energy monitors, controls and switches. It's all here to help you not only to be a responsible energy citizen but to save you money as well! The fact is, conserving energy is the single most effective way to lower your energy bill - no matter what the season. Whether at home or at your place of business. And if that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then you're just a click away from Vectren Source and our Energy Efficiency Emporium. |  Click here to visit the site |
Now We're Cooking!
There's always something good cooking at The Blue Flame Bistro, our exclusive online community where our friends, associates and a growing family of Vectren Source customers show off their talents in the kitchen. Get the latest recipe for Race Day Chili from Vectren Source Racing's Mark Olson. Or try Debbie M.'s Calico Bean Casserole. Or George E.'s 10-gallon Gazpacho! Breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between can be found at The Blue Flame Bistro. And, if you're among the first to submit recipes, you could receive your very own Blue Flame Bistro apron like the one worn here by Anna M. from Ithaca NY. Click here, sign up - and get cooking!
News & Notes
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Now Pitching For Vectren Source!
Major League Pitcher Bronson Arroyo has joined the Vectren Source team and can be seen pitching for us in the Cincinnati market!
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Go Speed Racer!
To see Mark Olson from Vectren Source Racing on a hot lap of Road Atlanta, click here! Mark crashed out quite spectacularly on the nationally televised Speed TV event, but he's okay and ready to get back on the gas!
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Heart Warming!
Vectren Source, Simon Malls and the Mall at Tuttle Crossing teamed up to collect food for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Vectren Source donated $500 visa gift cards as incentives and together we collected more than a thousand pounds of food plus more than $1,000 in additional cash donations that were used to purchase more food. In all, we helped provide 4,000 meals for needy families in central Ohio!