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Take Control of Your Energy Bills with Piedmont Natural Gas

As we welcome the new year, frigid temperatures have arrived in the Southeast. The sudden chill can lead to unexpected spikes in energy bills, prompting Piedmont Natural Gas to encourage its customers to take charge of their energy expenses in 2025.

A New Year’s Resolution for Savings

Brian Weisker, the Senior Vice President of Piedmont Natural Gas, suggests that alongside personal goals for self-improvement, customers should consider adding saving on energy bills to their resolution list. “Colder temperatures typically lead to higher energy costs,” Weisker explains. “However, we offer various resources and programs that help our customers stay warm without straining their budgets.”

Understanding Your Energy Use

According to the Energy Information Administration, the average household’s heating energy usage is projected to increase compared to last winter due to colder temperatures. This winter, customers are urged to be proactive about managing their energy consumption and addressing any budgeting concerns.

A video available on the Piedmont website discusses the factors influencing natural gas bills, providing transparency and education for customers.

Programs Tailored for Your Needs

Piedmont offers a variety of insightful programs:

• - Equal Payment Plan (EPP): This no-cost program allows customers to balance their monthly expenditures by spreading annual usage over equal monthly payments. This prevents unexpected charges, smoothing the effects of winter’s higher heating costs.
• - Share the Warmth: This initiative channels funds to local agencies to assist families struggling with utility bills, regardless of their energy sources. Additional information is accessible at piedmontng.com/ShareTheWarmth.
• - Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): Customers may apply for assistance to cover costs related to natural gas and electricity. Those in need can explore this option by visiting piedmontng.com/AssistancePrograms for eligibility details.

Practical Energy-Saving Strategies

As winter sets in, here are some practical tips to help manage your energy use:

• - Smart Thermostat Usage: Lower your thermostat to the most comfortable setting. Installing a programmable thermostat can reduce energy use, especially when you’re away or sleeping.
• - Harness Natural Sunlight: On sunny days, open drapes and blinds to allow sunlight to warm your home, then close them at night to keep the warmth in.
• - Regular Maintenance: Change air filters to ensure your heating system runs efficiently. Clogged filters can cause unnecessary strain, leading to higher consumption.
• - Water Heater Adjustments: Consider setting your water heater to 120°F and look into tankless options that heat only when necessary.
• - Home Sealing: Caulk and seal any cracks or openings in your home to enhance insulation and potentially reduce heating costs by 10-20%.
• - Air Duct Maintenance: Ensure that your air ducts are properly sealed to avoid heat loss, which can significantly elevate costs.
• - Insulation Awareness: Evaluate your home’s insulation and consider enhancing it within ceilings, floors, and walls to minimize energy demand, enhancing comfort and savings.

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

Piedmont Natural Gas proudly serves over 1.2 million customers, being a subsidiary of Duke Energy. The company has been recognized as the top performer in customer satisfaction according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. To gain more insights into energy savings or to find assistance programs, visit piedmontng.com.

In these chilly months, take control of your energy expenses with the support of Piedmont Natural Gas and keep warm without breaking your budget.