Piedmont Natural Gas is advising customers to prepare for a drop in temperatures expected across the Southeast next week by taking steps to manage their energy use and bills. The company provided several tips, such as setting thermostats to the lowest comfortable level, using smart or programmable thermostats, and allowing sunlight to naturally warm homes during the day while keeping drapes closed at night.
Additional recommendations include changing air filters regularly, setting water heater temperatures to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, sealing gaps and cracks in homes, ensuring air ducts are properly sealed, and considering adding insulation. Piedmont noted that these measures can help reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
The utility also offers tools on its website for customers to monitor their gas usage history and receive personalized energy-saving advice. Calculators are available for estimating annual costs associated with water heating, cooking, and clothes drying.
For those concerned about fluctuating monthly bills during colder months, Piedmont promotes its Equal Payment Plan (EPP). According to the company: “Piedmont’s free EPP program helps customers manage their budgets by leveling out a customer’s natural gas bills, allowing them to pay a predictable, equal monthly amount to help avoid billing surprises.” The payment amount is determined by dividing a customer’s annual usage into equal payments throughout the year. More details about this program can be found on their website.
Financial assistance programs are also available. Share the Warmth provides funds through local agencies to help families pay utility bills regardless of energy source. Information about approved agencies is listed at piedmontng.com/ShareTheWarmth. In addition, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers support for paying home energy costs. Customers are encouraged to check eligibility for these and other assistance options at piedmontng.com/AssistancePrograms or visit piedmontng.com/WinterBills for state-specific resources.
Piedmont Natural Gas serves over 1.2 million residential, commercial, industrial and power generation customers across North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee as a subsidiary of Duke Energy.
