Press Release

PUC Urges Natural Gas Customers to Explore a ‘Winter Utility Bill Checklist’ to Help Save on Heating Costs

Published on 12/20/2024

Filed under: Consumer Education Gas

Tips to Reduce Usage, Manage Costs, and Find Help This Winter

HARRISBURG – With colder weather setting in and increased energy usage, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is encouraging natural gas customers to take control of their heating bills with a simple Winter Utility Bill Checklist. By acting now, consumers can reduce energy usage, lower costs, and access assistance if needed.

“Recent changes in natural gas prices and colder weather can impact utility bills this winter,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “The good news is there are steps you can take to manage energy use, compare costs, and find help if you’re struggling.”

Your Winter Utility Bill Checklist

The PUC highlights five simple steps to help Pennsylvanians stay warm and save money:

1. Review your utility bills – Know your energy usage and the rates you’re paying.
2. Understand winter weather’s impact – Colder temperatures mean heating systems work harder.
3. Check your natural gas price – Compare the utility Price to Compare (PTC) with competitive supplier offers.
4. Save energy where you can – Small changes, like lowering your thermostat, can add up.
5. #CallUtilitiesNow for help – If you’re struggling with bills, contact your utility for information on assistance programs.

Winter Weather and Your Natural Gas Bill

Natural gas bills have two main parts:

• Delivery charges – These cover the cost of pipelines and infrastructure, and this portion of your monthly bill supports your local utility.
• Supply charges – This is the cost of the gas you use, determined either by a competitive supplier or your utility’s PTC.

While delivery charges stay steady, supply charges will fluctuate with wholesale energy market prices and can vary greatly, driven by global demands and factors like extreme winter. Gas supply costs, on which a natural gas distribution company (NGDC) cannot make a profit, are reflected in the NGDC’s Price to Compare.

Example PTCs for 4th Quarter 2024:

• Columbia Gas of PA - $0.2833 per therm (likely PTC adjustment on 1/1/2025);
• National Fuel Gas - $0.4016 per Ccf;
• PECO - $0.4861 per Ccf;
• Peoples Natural Gas Co. - $2.2792 per Mcf (likely PTC adjustment on 1/1/2025);
• Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) - $0.4050 per Ccf;
• UGI Utilities - $0.5813 per Ccf; and
• Valley Energy Inc. - $0.3457 per Ccf.

Customers can find their PTC on monthly bills and compare offers using the PUC’s natural gas shopping website, PAGasSwitch.com.

Top Energy-Saving Tips

Small changes can make a big difference:

• Lower your thermostat: Each degree lower saves up to 3%.
• Service your furnace: Clean filters boost efficiency.
• Seal drafts and insulate: Keep cold air out.
• Adjust your water heater: Lowering the temperature can cut costs.
• Use ceiling fans wisely: Reverse them to push warm air down.

Visit PAGasSwitch.com for interactive tools and more energy-saving ideas.

Struggling with High Bills? Act Now.

If you’re falling behind or worried about winter bills, don’t wait – #CallUtilitiesNow. Utilities can connect you to programs like:

• Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Hardship funds through utilities and community organizations

Talking directly with your utility is the best first step. Utilities can explain options, help you enroll in programs, and work out payment plans.

If you can’t resolve an issue with your utility, contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov