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Major energy suppliers in Baoding, Langfang, Handan, and Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, have reduced natural gas prices by 0.2 yuan per cubic meter for the winter heating season. ENN Energy's Baoding office set the new price at 2.98 yuan for rural households switching from coal to gas.

Some households received a 200 yuan heating subsidy. Transitioning to gas has improved air quality since 2017, but many residents report high costs, with prices exceeding 3 yuan per cubic meter in some cases.

Experts noted the financial burden on rural households due to infrastructure costs and reduced subsidies. Some villages are exploring alternative heating solutions, such as air-source heat pumps. In Yixian county, villagers report lower heating costs with heat pumps compared to coal.