High home heating bills are a common concern for many customers this time of year - especially when temperatures drop into single digits. One reason for higher bills now is increased use due to much colder weather.
While we’ve lowered natural gas rates (effective Dec. 1), and rates are comparable to this time last year, many customers are discouraged to see their bills remain high.
Here are some ways to see what’s impacting your bill:
- Log in to My Account on csu.org. You can view use trends over time and see if you’re using more electric or natural gas than usual. On average, our customers use about six times more natural gas in the winter months for home heating.
- Check weather history. If your use is much higher than previous years, there’s a good chance weather is a factor. The weather history in My Account will give you more detail. For example, the average high in November 2020 was about 58 degrees, while the average high in November 2022 was 49 degrees. Even if you keep your thermostat at a constant 68 degrees, it takes more energy to keep your home that temperature when it’s colder outside. Also in December 2022, we had a significant cold snap near the Christmas holiday.
- Check appliances. Factors that increase your use include aging appliances (like gas water heaters or dryers) or additional people in the home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater slightly, wash clothes on cold, and hang dry when possible.
- Look at the days in your bill cycle. Some bill cycles are also longer, which can also lead to a higher bill.
How we protect customers from high natural gas prices
We are always looking for ways to improve our bottom line because we can pass those savings on to customers too. Compared to Front Range utilities, our electric rates are 12% lower than average and natural gas is 7% lower than average as of January 1, 2023.
This winter, our trading staff brought in nearly $8 million in additional revenue in December by selling natural gas and electric to areas with higher demand.
These sales help us to mitigate electric and natural gas cost impacts on our customers. During the cold snap in December near the Christmas holiday, we protected customers from higher prices by using the propane air plant and using gas from storage that was purchased when prices were lower.
We’re also beginning to see natural gas prices decline slightly because of increased storage in the U.S.
Electric and natural gas rates are adjusted quarterly. We also adjust rates out-of-schedule if our collection balances are above established guidelines. If this happens, we can request a decrease in the rates.
Programs to help with high bills
If you need assistance with your winter utility bill, help is available.
- Programs like LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program) can help customers with water and energy bill assistance from November 1 through April 30, 2023.
- Home Efficiency Assistance Program (HEAP) is a partnership with the Energy Resource Center to provide energy and water efficiency improvements to customers who qualify.
- We also offer Budget Billing - it averages your utility bills over 12 months, so you have a more predictable payment. Details are available here: Budget Billing (csu.org).
- For customers who need a little extra time to make a payment or need to make a payment arrangement, our representatives can help. Customers can call 448-4800 or set up a Payment Plan in My Account.
- ENERGY STAR smart thermostats can save you more than $100 a year on heating and cooling costs. During winter, set it no higher than 68 degrees when home and 60 degrees when away or sleeping to save energy. We do offer a $50 smart thermostat rebate.
