YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Colder weather will have thermostats turning up, driving the demand for natural gas.

Luke Hansen, Manager of Gas Supply for Northwestern Energy says they have been working ahead on supply.

Hansen says they rely on long term outlooks to forecast their gas usage.

Hansen says they can manage almost a year out.

Hansen says wholesale gas prices have dropped about five dollars a dekatherm in the past few years. Northwestern serves about 65,000 customers mostly in eastern South Dakota.