Fast Facts on Natural Gas Prices
	Like the price you pay at the pump for gasoline, the price of natural gas moves up and down based on many factors, including weather conditions, global conflicts in the Middle East and basic supply and demand.
	However, unlike your local filling station, Ameren does not add a single penny to the wholesale price we pay for natural gas. That cost is passed on to you dollar-for-dollar—with no markup by Ameren.
	It is difficult to predict exactly what will happen with natural gas prices. Prices could rise again over last year’s costs, or colder than normal winter weather could increase bills even more due to higher consumption.
	Approximately two-thirds of a residential customer’s bill is the cost of natural gas from our suppliers, while only one-third goes to Ameren to pay for the operation and construction of our gas distribution systems.
	The Ameren companies use a range of financial tools—including, negotiation of long- and short-term gas supply contracts, diversification of interstate pipeline transportation, and utilization of extensive underground storage resources—to dampen price volatility and ensure reliable supply for our customers.