Billing terms

Here is an explanation of the terms used on your monthly Minnesota Energy Resources bill:

A charge required by state law to fund the gas affordability program, which provides assistance to low-income customers.
The volume of gas measured by your gas meter.
A measure of the need for air conditioning (cooling) based on temperature. Cooling degree days are calculated by subtracting 65 degrees Fahrenheit from the average daily temperature.
Helps cover the costs of supplying equipment used to serve customers, issuing bills and providing customer service programs.
The increase or decrease in the cost of fuel from the amount included in the current rates.
An estimated reading is based on actual past use, seasonal trends and weather. Any difference between the estimated reading and the actual one will be made up the next time the meter is read.
Can be a credit or a charge. Adjusts the base rate for any changes in the cost of natural gas.
Estimate of the annual cost of gas on a per therm basis. It includes the cost to contract for adequate pipeline and storage capacity. Annual estimated costs are spread out evenly over 12 months.
Natural gas rates are adjusted periodically because of increases and decreases in the prices charged by the companies that supply the gas we deliver to you. These changes are reflected on your bill as Gas Cost Recovery (GCR). We do not mark up the prices we pay these suppliers for the gas.
The purchase and management of gas supplies for our customers, as well as the carrying costs of purchasing gas supplies in the summer and storing these gas supplies until winter.
The purchase, transportation and storage of gas, as well as the acquisition and management of gas supplies for our customers; includes "gas supply acquisition service" and "natural gas costs."
A measure of the need for heating based on temperature. Heating degree days are calculated by subtracting the average daily temperature from 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Commission authorized charge of 1% per month on unpaid service balances not paid in full within 20 days following the issuance of the bill.
The safe, reliable transportation of gas across the Minnesota Energy Resources gas distribution system to customers, including metering, billing and customer service; includes both "Fixed" and "Volumetric" charges to more accurately match the actual costs of providing these services. Fixed charges do not vary with your usage; Volumetric charges will vary with your usage.
A measurement of the amount of heat energy in natural gas, equal to 100,000 BTUs. A BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.