Natural gas bills noticeably higher for some residents in Ottawa
Natural gas prices in Ottawa seem to be skyrocketing, leaving many residents in shock as they receive their bills from Enbridge Gas.
Tamara Mason, a resident and Enbridge customer, was one of many who were surprised to see a significant increase in the monthly bill.
"So when I got my bill, I thought, 'what the heck?'" Mason said. "In December, it was $198. And my new bill, my bill now is $251.81."
Mason has lived in her house for almost nine years and says she has never broken the $200 mark for her gas bill, until now. Her bill has gone up 27 per cent from December, and 35 per cent in the past year.
"I've used less and it's $251," said Mason.
Mason is wondering why gas prices are going higher, even in a milder winter.
"This is probably the mildest winter I remember my whole life," Mason said.
Enbridge Gas spokesperson Andrea Strass says the war in Ukraine is putting pressure on worldwide prices and demand in North America has gone up.
"Throughout 2022, we experienced some increases in market prices, actually a steady series of increases related to the conflict in Ukraine. And we've seen a growing demand for North American natural gas as a result of that conflict," Strass said.
Strass adds Enbridge has set their new payment for the next year based on current rates.
"And since the prices are quite a bit higher today than they were when their previous payment was set, that is resulting in a higher monthly installment amount. And I think that's what people are seeing."
Strass also explains that residents are paying for their natural gas usage at the rate that was in place at the time of use.
"At the end of the day, you only pay for what you use at the rate that was in place when we used it," says Strass. "So we have ways of matching your use to the rate that was in place at the time."
As for Mason, she will continue to monitor her bills and do what she can to keep her payments as low as possible.
"It's one thing for something to go up $5 or $10 a month. It's another thing, $60, $65 is material for people," said Mason.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Tracking Hurricane Milton: Millions told to evacuate from worst storm 'in 100 years to hit Florida'
U.S. forecasters are warning of destructive waves, devastating winds and flash floods through the week as Hurricane Milton makes its way from the Yucatan Peninsula toward Florida.
Meteorologist becomes emotional giving update on Hurricane Milton
A seasoned American meteorologist became emotional on air as he gave an update on a major hurricane, later suggesting the reason behind his strong reaction.
'I hope so': Marc Garneau on whether Liberal party still has room for Blue Liberals
Former cabinet minister Marc Garneau, who describes himself in his new book as always-a-Liberal, 'but a decidedly blue one,' says he hopes the party still has room for someone like him.
'Very' serious issue: federal transport minister on contamination in northern Alberta town
The renewed pleas of people in Fort Chipewyan, Alta. for government to take action cleaning up contamination in their community have reached the ears of federal Transport Minister Anita Anand.
'Extremely disappointed': Family of homicide victim storms out of courtroom as judge reads decision
Emotions boiled over after a judge acquitted two out of three defendants in a manslaughter case, while the third accused has since died.
WeightWatchers to offer compounded version of Wegovy weight-loss drug
WeightWatchers said on Tuesday it would offer a compounded version of Novo Nordisk's popular obesity drug Wegovy as part of its weight-management programs.
'I find it really disheartening': Family calls out police after Ottawa senior robbed in parking lot
On September 11, 80-year-old Madeleine Gervais was robbed in Ottawa's west end. It happened in the Loblaws parking lot in College Square, when she was approached by a man and a woman who insisted to help her load her groceries into her car.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Conservatives continue to attack Trudeau's potential successors
In his column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that the dramatic side to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and his tendency to 'play everything to the hilt,' could well become his undoing.
One American physician's long journey to becoming a family doctor in Canada
An American family doctor is frustrated with what she says has been a challenging two-year-and-counting bureaucratic journey to be accepted into Canada.