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Blair County approves partial natural‑gas rate lock with Snyder Brothers through 2028
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Summary
The Board approved a capped natural‑gas purchase strategy that locks a $3.95 per dekatherm maximum rate with Snyder Brothers, covering 100% of 2027 volumes and 75% of 2028 volumes (leaving 25% unhedged). The measure passed by voice vote.
Blair County commissioners voted to authorize a capped natural‑gas purchase strategy with Snyder Brothers that will lock a maximum rate of $3.95 per dekatherm for selected portions of the county's 2027–2028 gas needs.
Commissioner (initiating the request) told the board the proposal covers 50% of the county’s 2027 volumes and 50% of its 2028 volumes as part of a staggered hedging plan. "So for 2027, we have 100% of our rate" covered under the contract, the commissioner said, and the arrangement will result in 75% of the contract’s remaining months in 2028 being locked while 25% remains to be purchased later.
The proposal passed after a motion and second and a voice vote approving the maximum cap and the execution of the agreement. The motion does not lock the county into purchasing all gas at that level; staff described the figure as a maximum monthly cap the vendor will seek to obtain in the market on the county’s behalf.
Why it matters: Hedging decisions affect the county budget and future utility outlays. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about 2027 versus 2028 coverage and the remaining unhedged share, indicating attention to how much exposure the county will retain into 2028.
Next steps: Staff will finalize contract terms with Snyder Brothers and implement the purchase schedule described to the board. The county did not specify the total gas volumes in dekatherms or the dollar exposure associated with the hedge during the meeting.
