From State Representative Mike Murphy
- Hello, this is State Representative Mike Murphy calling with an emergency information notice.
- Please listen closely.
- Due to the Arctic Cold Front sweeping across the country, a combination of unprecedented usage of natural gas and wellhead freeze offs has led to a dramatic spike in the cost of natural gas from $3 per unit to more than $200 per unit.
- This extreme price jump, which began on Saturday, is affecting the communities of Auburn, Divernon, Glenarm and Pawnee, and could last through February 17th or possibly longer.
- Due to this unprecedented spike in prices, the communities are asking residents to keep their thermostats at a setting of 70 degrees or under, and use alternate heating methods that do not rely on natural gas if at all possible.
- Utilize space heaters and fireplaces if possible.
- First and foremost, safety is paramount while we experience these extreme temperatures and do what is most important to ensure your home remains warm and safe.
- I have been in contact with local officials from the affected communities and we are in the process of working with other State and Federal officials to address this egregious spike in the cost of natural gas to prevent these costs from being passed on to residents.
- For more information, please visit the websites or Facebook pages for the communities of Auburn, Divernon or Pawnee.
- We are doing everything we can do address this issue, but in the meantime, please do your best to reduce your natural gas usage so long as it is safe to do so.
- My office may be reached at 217-782-0044.
- Thank you and stay safe.
