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Energy Efficiency Tips from Piedmont Natural Gas

As the Southeast faces an unexpected drop in temperatures, Piedmont Natural Gas is stepping up to support its customers in managing their energy expenses effectively. The company is reminding customers about various programs and tools designed to help save on energy costs this winter.

Understanding Gas Usage

To help customers keep track of their energy consumption, Piedmont offers several digital tools. One of the most useful is the Gas Usage History feature. Customers can access their online accounts to view their monthly usage, which helps them spot trends and identify potential savings. Additionally, the Energy Advisor tool allows users to assess their home’s energy efficiency, highlighting areas where improvements can be made.

For those curious about specific appliances, Piedmont provides calculators for water heaters, cooking, and clothes drying. These calculators help estimate the annual energy costs associated with these common household activities. Customers can access a video on the company’s website that explains the various factors influencing their natural gas bills, promoting better understanding and awareness.

Tips for Saving Energy Without Sacrificing Comfort

Piedmont Natural Gas has compiled essential energy-saving tips that don’t compromise comfort. Here are some key recommendations:

• - Adjust Your Thermostat: Set it to the lowest comfortable setting. A smart or programmable thermostat can optimize energy use when you are asleep or away from home.

• - Capitalize on Natural Heat: Open drapes or blinds during sunny days to let sunlight warm your house and close them at night to retain that warmth.

• - Regular Maintenance: Change your air filters regularly to ensure your heating system functions efficiently. A clogged filter forces the system to work harder, consuming more energy.

• - Manage Water Heating: Set the water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, consider on-demand or tankless water heaters that heat water only when needed.

• - Seal Your Home: Caulking and weatherstripping cracks and openings can significantly reduce heating costs, resulting in savings of 10% to 20%.

• - Duct Sealing: Ensure that the ducts in your home are sealed well, preventing heat from escaping into unconditioned spaces like attics or crawl spaces.

• - Insulation: Evaluate if additional insulation in ceilings, floors, and walls is necessary to maintain comfortable temperatures without excessive heating costs.

Equal Payment Plan (EPP) for Budgeting

Piedmont's Equal Payment Plan (EPP) is a program designed to ease the financial burden of seasonal bills. This program allows customers to pay a fixed monthly amount, calculated based on their annual natural gas usage. This predictability helps customers budget more effectively and avoid unexpected spikes in their bills.

Financial Assistance Programs

In addition to the EPP, Piedmont Natural Gas offers financial support through the Share the Warmth program, which collaborates with local agencies to assist families struggling with utility bills. The program is available regardless of the energy source used by households.

Moreover, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible customers pay for various energy sources used in their homes. Customers can apply for this and other assistance programs to determine their eligibility and benefit. More details can be found on Piedmont's official website under the assistance programs section, ensuring that no one has to endure the cold alone.

Piedmont Natural Gas, a proud subsidiary of Duke Energy, distributes natural gas to over 1.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. With these initiatives, they aim to provide valuable resources to their customers, especially during the colder months when heating needs peak.

For more information about these energy-saving tips and assistance programs, check the Piedmont Natural Gas website.

With the right strategies and tools, customers can stay warm this winter without breaking the bank.