Public Service Commissioner Stan Wise is warning natural gas customers that the upcoming winter is predicted to be colder than the last and therefore they may see higher natural gas bills. Wise says the American Gas Association predicts in its annual winter outlook that residential gas bills could be 9% to 11% higher compared to winter 2015-2016, as consumers’ ramp up gas use after last year's warmer temperatures. The AGA reports that a survey of member companies representing about 20 million customers found that utilities expect to see a 9.6% increase in residential gas bills, tied in part to a 6.6% increase in throughput. Gas consumption remains down on a year-over-year basis after last year's warm winter, with residential and commercial demand down so far this year compared to the same period in 2015, AGA noted.
 
Wise notes that natural gas customers can take several proactive steps to reduce and mitigate this projected increase in winter heating bills. These include:

Budget and levelized billing plans: Consumers who are on a budget, retired or on a fixed income may find budget billing to be an attractive payment option. It allows consumers to make levelized monthly payments on their bills, and is available whether consumers have fixed or variable rate plans. Budget billing can help consumers avoid the spikes in their winter heating bills.

Check price plans and marketers’ options: The Commission publishes a monthly price-comparison chart of all natural gas marketers’ plans – senior, variable, fixed and pre-pay on our web site, www.psc.state.ga.us. Once on the site, you then click on “Natural Gas Marketers’ Prices.” Also, the Regulated Provider is available to serve low-income citizens and those who are not able to obtain service from any of the certificated marketers in Atlanta Gas Light Company’s service area.

Energy Conservation: Conservation is vital to any plan of action to lower one’s monthly utility bill.  Purchasing energy-efficient equipment such as an energy efficient furnace, hot water heater and/or stove, caulking around doors and windows, insulating walls, floors and the attic, are some things consumers can do to lower their winter heating bills. Of course, if you don’t need to have any of your equipment replaced, be sure to have these inspected by a professional to ensure operation at maximum efficiency.