Photo: dreamstime.com

By Canadian Press

gas prices

Natural gas prices expected to rise this winter

Sep 23, 2021 | 12:53 PM

CALGARY – Canadians can expect to pay more to heat their homes this winter due to the rising price of natural gas.

Increased global demand, tight supplies and the phasing out of coal have led to increased use for natural gas. Prices this fall have spiked to levels not seen in six years.

Gas distributors like FortisBC, Enbridge Gas and Manitoba Hydro have already advised their customers of rate hikes.

Residential customers in parts of the country will see their monthly bills go up by about nine per cent. Large industrial customers could see even bigger increases.

Gas producers in Western Canada are expected to expand their drilling programs to meet the demand, but analysts say prices will remain elevated at least into the spring.

(The Canadian Press)