PITTSBURGH -- With the end of summer approaching, and what’s predicted to be an expensive home heating season on the horizon, many customers have been receiving offers in the mail to lock in lower natural gas price for the next two years.

The offer applies to almost every local natural gas customer, regardless of the utility company, and compared to the current utility rates, it could save them money this winter.

However, how much it will save beyond this winter poses another question.

At a time when most homeowners are dreading the cost of a cold winter, energy company, Dominion Peoples Plus is touting an offer it says customers can’t refuse.

“This means you can lock us into a nice, steady low price for the next two years,” said Dominion Energy spokesperson Dan Donovan.

If customers accept the offer, their gas bill still comes from the normal utility company because it still delivers the gas.

However, customers will be buying gas from Dominion People Plus, which is different from Dominion Peoples, a utility company.

Yet, customers all of utility companies can take advantage.

Dominion Peoples customers currently pay nearly $16 per million cubic feet.

The new offer would lower it to $12.45.

Columbia Gas customers would also go from paying nearly $16 to about $11.

Equitable customers can move from $16.50 down to $14 for a one year offer.

To one energy expert, it sounds like good deal.

“If you, at your own time and choosing, can actually leave the program, I'd enter it because the prices they're offering right now clearly will be below the prices the average market this winter,” said Duquesne University energy expert Kent Moors.

Donovan said customers can opt out at any time without penalty.

That’s important because the state changes the rates offered by utility companies every three months.

With the discovery of new natural gas wells across the state, experts have predicted much lower rates next winter.

Some of these offers are first-come, first-served basis and expire soon.

Customers can call 1-800-282-1305.

Those who want to opt out can call the Dominion Peoples Plus number on your bill.

For current Natural Gas Rates (PUC) in Pa. visit http://www.puc.state.pa.us/naturalgas/pdf/PGC.pdf.