Preparing for winter

Natural gas prices have been rising globally and are now almost 100% higher than this time last year because of a combination of supply concerns and rising demand.

Natural gas is expected to keep rising and, if winter is especially cold, prices may continue to increase. The jump in prices will impact some consumers who use it for heat this winter.

So how does this impact you?

Your monthly natural gas bill reflects the price of gas and your use. Now is the time to take steps to ensure your home or business is energy efficient to help you manage winter bills.

Even small changes can add up to a big impact in your home and in the community. 

1. Make an appointment to have your furnace or heating system serviced. Check your furnace filter and make sure it’s clean so your furnace doesn’t have to work so hard.
2. Apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around doors, windows or any other areas to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. (Make sure it’s above 45 degrees to apply caulking).
3. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.
4. At night or when you leave home, set your thermostat back 8 degrees - if you can do that for eight hours, you can save up to 10% on energy costs. A smart thermostat will do this for you, and we offer a $50 rebate on qualifying products.
5. Wash clothes on cold and air dry, and run dishwashers only when full to save energy.
6. If you plan to replace your inefficient furnace or water heater, we can help. Since about 50% of your energy use can go toward space heating and cooling, having a furnace that works effectively and efficiently is smart. As a natural gas customer, you may earn $250 on your qualifying furnace purchase, and $50 on a natural gas water heater.

Business customers

No matter the size of your business, we offer a free basic or advanced energy audit that can help your bottom line. A basic audit is suitable for smaller facilities.

An audit is ideal for business owners who want to learn about energy-saving options and get an idea of how their use compares with similar facilities.

Here are a few more tips for your business.

1. Lower your temperature during off hours with a smart thermostat and save up to 8% on your energy bill.
2. Seal air leaks to improve your energy efficiency up to 20%.
3. Only heat areas you use consistently.
4. Unplug small electronics like lamintors and printers when not in use.
5. Have your furnace, boiler or heat pump inspected annually.

Need help paying your bill?

We have many options to help to help our customers when in need.

• Project COPE: Our own program provides utilities payment assistance to families and individuals struggling financially due to personal crisis or emergency, regardless of income.
• Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP): Expanded assistance - thanks to increased federal support - is available in 2021. LEAP is a federally-funded program to help with home heating costs. The application is available Nov. 1 to April 30.
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): We partner with the Energy Resource Center to provide energy- and water-efficiency improvements for qualifying residential customers. HEAP participants receive in-home energy and water audits. The results are used to recommend various improvements that could include weather stripping, additional insulation to attics, sidewalls and crawlspaces, and much more.
• Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1: Customers are encouraged to call United Way 2-1-1 for additional assistance such as rental assistance, medical assistance or mental health services, as needed.
• Flexible Payment Plan: If you think you may have difficulty paying your bill on time, contact us before it's due. We can work with you to develop a payment plan.
• Business Customers: We offer payment plans and payment arrangements for businesses. In addition, there are local programs available to businesses through the CARES Act.