Natural gas prices have increased sharply this winter as a result of increasing demand and an inadequate distribution infrastructure.
The Bangor Daily News reported that natural gas prices are 47% higher than last winter, when prices were at $0.89 per therm. Prices are now at $1.30 per therm, or 100,000 British thermal units.
Industry and state energy officials have said the rising regional natural gas costs are a sign that Maine and New England could benefit from increased natural gas infrastructure.
That infrastructure, they say, was tested this year by a particularly cold winter that has seen demand outpacing capacity and pushing up unit prices.
