Die hard gas users, fifty years ago the computer you are using would have filled the empire state building.

The rate decreases next year, totaling about $3 million, will mostly affect larger natural gas users like apartment and commercial buildings and stores.

For all the early kinks, deregulation is proving a boon to many natural gas users, as entrepreneurs figure out ways to deliver gas more cheaply.

Besides, sales representatives have found that residential gas users have little patience with telemarketing calls and even less understanding of the potential benefits.

Calculating the higher monthly bills the cold snap will create for natural gas users is difficult, utility officials said.

By 1998, 23 million domestic electricity customers and 19 million natural gas users will be able to choose their suppliers for the first time.

The government estimates that heating costs will rise 30 percent to 48 percent this winter, with natural gas users hit the hardest.

To meet the needs of large numbers of gas users, nearly all utilities buy fuel on long-term contracts.

The savings will be passed on to Northern Ireland's biggest gas users who will see the difference in their bills next year.

Now the economic losses suffered by about 1.3 million residential gas users, 43,000 businesses and 200,000 workers are being laid at Esso's door.