Just as furnaces start to crank up to combat the chill in the air, some good news is also in the air. There just might be enough left over from your gas bill to warm up with an extra cup of hot chocolate.

National Fuel announced on Thursday that it submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, a decrease to the adjustment of its quarterly gas supply charges. The adjustment decreases the average monthly residential bill by $1.95, from $68.46 to $66.51.

Market prices for natural gas remain at 11-year lows, due to an abundant supply of Marcellus Shale gas. Nearly all of the gas consumed by National Fuel customers comes from Northeast-produced shale gas.

Pennsylvania utility companies are permitted to update gas supply charges on a quarterly basis to reflect changes in the market price of natural gas. The next opportunity to adjust gas supply charges will be Feb. 1, 2020.

For those who need assistance with utility bills, today is the day that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opens. The federally-funded program is based on income guidelines and household size. As an example, a family of four with a gross monthly income of $3,218 may qualify for a grant. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information visit LIHEAPhelps.com or call 1-877-443-2743.

National Fuel also offers a variety of programs for customers struggling to pay their bills. They can be reached at 1-800-365-3234.