April 30, 2024 |
Photo – A stovetop natural gas burner – Courtesy NMPP Energy
The town of Medicine Bow chose Wyoming Community Gas to supply the town with natural gas.
Wyoming Community Gas is a not-for-profit consortium of municipalities that provides natural gas services to towns. Each year, the gas provider reinvests a portion of its revenue back into the enrolled communities, supporting projects that enhance the quality of life for residents.
During the April 8th Medicine Bow town council meeting, Public Works Director Brian Lashley said it was time for the town to choose a natural gas supplier. Lashley provided the council with quotes from 10 different gas companies, most of which were charging over 40 cents per therm. One therm represents approximately 100 cubic feet of natural gas at standard temperature and pressure.
Lashley said the town’s current gas provider, Black Hills Energy doesn’t charge by therm, like the other companies. However, the public works director said his calculations show that their rates varied significantly over the past year and a half.
Lashley said Wyoming Community Gas offers a set rate depending on the length of the contract. The public works director said the natural gas provider will also give the town credit on each of their five gas accounts.
Lashley suggested the town contract with Wyoming Community Gas for at least one year. On top of offering lower prices, Lashley said the natural gas supplier provides member towns with yearly grants. The public works director said he was told a previous town administration opted not to join the Wyoming Community Gas joint powers board.
Lashley said a Wyoming Community Gas representative will provide him with the necessary documents to become a member of the joint powers board. The public works director said the town will need to pay one dollar per resident to be part of the gas consortium. Last year, the town missed out on a $3,500 grant, said Lashley.
Medicine Bow currently has a population of 247, meaning the town will need to make a one-time payment of $247 to join the Wyoming Community Gas joint powers board.
Lashley recommended signing a one-year contract with the natural gas supplier. However, even at 40.8 cents per therm for a two-year contract, Wyoming Community Gas is still lower than what the town is currently paying, said Lashley.
Town Clerk and Treasurer Karen Heath said the town should opt for the two-year contract. Heath said the five $75 account credits will more than cover the per capita cost of joining the gas consortium.
The Medicine Bow town council unanimously voted to contract with Wyoming Community Gas for two years. The council chose to wait to join the Wyoming Community Gas joint powers board until after Public Works Director Lashley receives and reviews the agreement.
Rawlins, Sinclair, Saratoga, and Hanna are all members of the Wyoming Community Gas joint powers board. This year, the Rawlins City Council chose to use its gas grant to purchase a new scoreboard for the town’s little league baseball fields. The Saratoga town council voted to split the grant five ways and provide equal payments for five different community recreation programs. In Hanna, the gas grant will be used to beautify the town hall.
