By Chris Meyers
Staff writer
   Whitley County will likely enter into a five-year contract with a seller of natural gas in an attempt to secure as low a cost as possible, rather than opt for a one-year contract.
   Just Energy told the county commissioners and county council this week that the company, who works as part of NIPSCO’s choice program, could offer significant savings for the term of the contract.
   For 2008, the average price per therm — the standard of measurement for natural gas billing which equals 100 cubic feet of natural gas — was $1.07.
   Just Energy has proposed a five-year contract at 79 cents per therm, and with 85,000 therms used last year by the county, officials are jumping at the chance for extra savings.
   “I believe you’re getting in at a great time in the market,” said Derek Wright, with Just Energy.
   The county also received a proposal from Borders Energy for a one-year contract at 58.5 cents per therm.
   Both commissioners and council members felt the longer contract could offer more savings if the price spikes, but acknowledged there are still a lot of unknowns that could affect the rates.
   “It’s a flip of a coin,” said Mike Schrader, county commissioner.
   With the volatile nature of the business in mind, the council recommended that the commissioners enter into the already negotiated contract with Just Energy as a way to lock-in the county’s rate.
   “It really helps against those spikes,” Wright said.
   The contract also allows for a one-time negotiation if natural gas prices should decrease.

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