With temperatures expected to drop across the Southeast next week, Piedmont Natural Gas is offering customers advice on how to manage their energy bills during the colder weather. The company recommends several steps to help households save energy without reducing comfort.
Customers are encouraged to set thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting and consider installing smart or programmable thermostats. Letting sunlight in during the day and closing drapes at night can also help regulate indoor temperatures. Regularly changing air filters and setting water heater temperatures to 120 degrees Fahrenheit are suggested for additional savings. Sealing cracks, weatherstripping, and ensuring air ducts are properly sealed can reduce heating costs by up to 20%. Adding insulation in ceilings, floors, and walls may further lower energy demand.
Piedmont Natural Gas provides online tools for customers to monitor their gas usage history, assess home energy efficiency through its Energy Advisor, and estimate annual costs of appliances such as water heaters, stoves, and dryers. A video explaining factors that affect natural gas bills is available on the company’s website.
The Equal Payment Plan (EPP) program allows customers to pay a consistent monthly amount based on their annual natural gas usage, helping avoid fluctuations in billing. More information about this program can be found on Piedmont’s website.
For those needing financial assistance, programs like Share the Warmth provide funds through local agencies regardless of energy source. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is also available for eligible customers. Information about these and other assistance programs is accessible at piedmontng.com/AssistancePrograms or by visiting piedmontng.com/WinterBills for state-specific details.
Piedmont Natural Gas serves over 1.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee as a subsidiary of Duke Energy. More information about its services can be found at piedmontng.com.
“Anyone in need can apply for this and other newly available programs to see if they qualify,” according to Piedmont Natural Gas.
For media inquiries, contact Jason Wheatley at 877-348-3612 or jason.wheatley@duke-energy.com.
