Natural gas prices: What to expect this winter

LG&E received approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC) for its quarterly Gas Supply Clause, effective Feb. 1, 2026 through April 30, 2026. The Gas Supply Component on the natural gas portion of customer bills is adjusted quarterly based on market conditions.

Across the country — and here in Kentucky — wholesale natural gas prices have been higher this winter compared to the same time last year. Combined with higher usage from the extreme cold temperatures across our service area and in many parts of the country, many households are seeing increases in their monthly natural gas bills.

A residential customer using about 6,000 cubic feet of natural gas each month will pay about $83.41 monthly — compared to about $75.38 last year — an increase of 10.65%.

Like other utilities nationwide, LG&E does not profit from the cost of the natural gas it delivers to customers. The cost of gas is passed through to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis after review and approval by the KPSC.

We understand that even modest increases can impact household budgets. That’s why LG&E works year-round to secure reliable, competitively priced natural gas.

To help keep bills as manageable as possible, LG&E uses its underground natural gas storage fields by purchasing gas during the summer, when prices are typically lower, storing it and then withdrawing it during the winter heating season.

This strategy reduces the amount of higher-priced gas that must be purchased during colder months, helping shield customers from seasonal price spikes and keeping overall costs more stable.

Why prices fluctuate

The wholesale natural gas market is influenced by national supply and demand. Some of the factors driving prices include:

• Natural gas production in 2026 is expected to increase by about 1% compared to 2025 levels.
• Gas supply disruptions during the winter, such as those caused by well freeze-offs, can cause prices to increase.
• Higher demand from industrial customers, natural gas-fueled power generation and facilities that export gas to other countries.

Your bill contains plenty of detailed information, including specific breakdowns of your energy usage to an easy-to-read chart showing how your usage compares on a month-to-month and yearly basis. Understanding my residential bill provides explanations of the natural gas charges on your bill.

We know higher costs can be challenging, especially during colder months. LG&E offers programs, partnerships and simple energy-saving ideas to help customers manage their energy use and bills.

Bill payment assistance

LG&E partners with community agencies to help qualifying customers through programs such as Community Winterhelp and other local resources. 

Payment arrangements

Customers who anticipate difficulty paying their bill can set up a payment arrangement through the company’s free mobile app or through My Account.

Energy-saving tips

Find low- and no-cost ways to save energy and money.

Efficiency programs

Explore energy efficiency options that can make a long-term difference at lge-ku.com/save.

Budget payment plan

Spread heating costs into equal monthly payments to make winter budgeting easier.