Enbridge Gas customers in Southwestern Ontario can expect to pay an extra $105 per year, starting October 1.
Spokesperson Andrea Stass said the Ontario Energy Board just approved a change in the rates to reflect increases in market prices. She said the hike represents about eight per cent of a customer's gas bill.
"We're seeing increased gas prices here in Ontario largely due to the continuing Russian conflict in Ukraine, paired with some strong domestic demand and increased global demand for liquefied natural gas, so that's driving up the cost of natural gas."
Enbridge Gas adjusts the rates it charges its customers every three months.
Stass said people on equal billing will have been insulated from the increases that occurred last year.
"We had approximately three increases. So, as the plan is reset in the current year, it's reset at that higher price, so it will cause a spike. Also, if you had an increase that was more than double your usual monthly payment, that gets rolled through and blended into next year's plan, and that's to help you cope with avoiding a big spike."
Stass said it's difficult to say what will happen moving forward as the current hike is largely due to geopolitical events.
"We do expect that this higher price environment will be around for some time, so I think it's important for customers to understand what they can do to help insulate themselves from those higher energy prices and some of the supports that Enbridge Gas has," she said. "One that's popular is our home energy rebate -- it offers customers up to $5,000 towards energy efficiency upgrades in their home."
Stass also said Enbridge has a number of programs that will help people if they're facing difficulties making payments.
"I just encourage people to reach out and look at our website -- all of our programs are listed there -- and that's a way you can take some control."
Stass said Enbridge is asked about energy security and if the area has enough gas.
"And the answer is yes, we have one of the largest gas storage facilities in North America here in southwestern Ontario and it's almost 80 per cent full, so we're at our five-year level, so there will be plenty of energy for heat as we go into the winter months."