Vectren Corp : Ohio - Bitter cold temperatures impacting January energy consumption, February bills

Jan. 29, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact: Natalie Hedde (812-491-5105) or [e-mail]

News Release

Vectren Corporation One Vectren Square Evansville, IN 47708

Bitter cold temperatures impacting January energy consumption, February bills

Dayton, OH. - Closing out a January that produced arctic-like temperatures, Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio - (Vectren) expects customers to receive higher natural gas bills in February, which reflect January's higher-than- normal energy consumption. Today, the utility reminded customers that January 2014 temperatures were 15 percent colder than normal and 25 percent colder than those experienced in January 2013.
"Given January has been both colder than normal and colder than last year, customers will likely experience increases when opening February bills," said Colleen Ryan, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio.

In January of last year, the average customer paid a total of about $85 for natural gas service, which reflected slightly lower gas prices and weather that was about 10 percent warmer than normal. In January 2014, that same customer will pay about $120. Bills vary by customer depending on the size and age of the home, number of gas appliances, number in the household, thermostat settings and levels of insulation.
While natural gas is in high demand due to the bitter cold, pricing remains favorable well into the future. The New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) chart seen here, which details historic, current and future natural gas prices, demonstrates natural gas remains the most affordable home heating fuel and is well- positioned going forward.
"Although natural gas prices for January have ticked upward with high national demand, future pricing remains relatively low and stable due to our nation's abundant supply," added Ryan. "Furthermore, Vectren customers have the option of choosing their natural gas supplier and if desired, can lock in a fixed rate, whereby any temporary spikes in price would not impact bills."
Vectren has in place a number of tools to help customers manage their energy bills, including energy assistance and tips, appliance rebates and payment options. Details for these programs can be found on Vectren.com or by calling 1-
800-227-1376.
Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio delivers natural gas to approximately 315,000 customers in all or portions of Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Darke, Fayette, Greene, Highland, Logan, Madison, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Preble, Shelby and Warren counties.

About Vectren

Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) is an energy holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind. Vectren's energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than 1 million customers in adjoining service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and west central Ohio. Vectren's nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the U.S. These include infrastructure services, energy services and coal mining. To learn more about Vectren, visit www.vectren.com.