[ad_1]
-
Global spikes in the cost of natural gas commodities are driving price increases.
-
New tariffs will take effect Nov. 1 in North Carolina and South Carolina for security and infrastructure investments to better serve customers.
-
The company continues to proactively inform customers of payment plans, available support, and other tools to help manage invoices.
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – With seasonal cold weather on the horizon, coupled with an increase in the cost of natural gas that natural gas customers face across the world, Piedmont Natural Gas is reminding customers of the tips, tools and assistance programs available to help customers prepare for a harsher winter. invoices.
“Natural gas market prices are higher due to the economic recovery due to strong demand for natural gas last winter, as well as slower than expected production this year,” said Richard Meyer, Vice President, Energy Markets, Analysis and Standards, American Gas Association. “However, the US natural gas market remains well supplied and is ready to serve customers through the winter. Weather and the market can impact utility bills, and consumer conservation can help. to reduce impacts on the bill, so now is a good time to make sure your household is prepared before the cold weather hits.
As a distributor of natural gas, Piedmont buys natural gas at the best possible price and then passes this cost on directly to customers. In addition to this rising cost of natural gas, which the company is not profiting from, rate increases approved by the North Carolina and South Carolina utility boards will come into effect on November 1 to cover investments in gas. security and infrastructure to better serve customers.
As of November 1, the estimated cumulative monthly bill increase for the cost of fuel and rate increases for the average residential customer in North Carolina will be approximately $ 11.34 per month or $ 136 per year, per year. compared to the rates in effect this summer. South Carolina customers can expect a similar increase of about $ 11.00 per month, or $ 132 per year, from rates going this summer.
“Our goal is twofold: to keep prices low while performing the vital safety and infrastructure work that enables Piedmont to provide safe and reliable natural gas service to its customers,” said Sasha Weintraub, Senior Vice President by Piedmont Natural Gas. “We recognize that we are still going through difficult economic times and that rate increases, combined with the approach of cold weather and rising natural gas prices, are creating additional hardship for some customers.
Weintraub continued, “We are committed to helping our customers and taking action to protect our most vulnerable customers by suspending disconnections until March 2022, for eligible customers, and proactively contacting to ensure that they know support is available. “
Equal Payments Program (EPP)
This free service helps customers manage their budget by eliminating high winter bills. The EPP program levels a customer’s natural gas bills, allowing them to pay a predictable and even monthly amount to avoid billing surprises. Piedmont determines this payment by adding up a customer’s annual natural gas consumption, then dividing it by the same payment amount each month. Learn more here.
Assistance to clients in need
Piedmont contacts customers with overdue bills via email and / or SMS with information about utility assistance administered by their state agencies and local communities. Customers who may not have been eligible for assistance in the past may now be eligible due to expanded eligibility criteria during the pandemic. Increased levels of assistance may also be available for those who have qualified and have already received assistance.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) offers winter heating assistance to pay for gas, electricity, and other methods that customers use to heat their homes. Many clients qualify, but do not apply for this annual federal benefit which can reduce winter heating costs for low-income families. The links below can provide information on how to apply locally:
Piedmont says anyone in need should apply for this and other newly available programs to see if they qualify. For detailed federal and state information, go to www.piedmontng.com/TBD and click on your state.
Low-cost or no-cost energy saving advice and projects
Natural gas consumption typically increases in winter as customers struggle with low temperatures to stay warm. Below you will find tips for preparing for the cold and managing your energy consumption. B roll of energy efficiency measures available here.
- Learn how to reduce your energy consumption. The first step to reducing energy use in your home is to identify and prioritize energy saving improvements. This can be accomplished by a certified auditor or by performing your own energy audit.
- Seal the air ducts. Make sure the air ducts for the furnace and the central air conditioner in your home are properly sealed. Leaking ducts in the attic or crawl space can dramatically increase your heating and cooling bills.
- Seal your house. One of the fastest energy saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal and caulk all the seams, cracks and openings to the outside. This can save 10-20% on your heating and cooling bills.
- Install smart thermostats. Installing a “smart” or programmable thermostat will reduce your energy consumption while you sleep or are away.
- Manage water heating. Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or consider installing an on-demand or tankless water heater that heats water only when you need it.
- Think about insulation. Determine if you need to add insulation to your ceiling, floors, and walls. Insulation between interior and exterior reduces energy demand, saves you money while improving the comfort of your home.
Energy saving tools
Piedmont Natural Gas also offers a variety of energy saving tools to help customers and our communities identify ways to save money and energy throughout the year. These programs and tools help customers understand what factors affect their natural gas bills and focus on specific actions they can take to reduce the impacts of high winter usage.
Piedmont Natural Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, is an energy services company primarily engaged in the distribution of natural gas to over one million residential, commercial and industrial customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee . The company also supplies natural gas to power plants. Piedmont is regularly recognized by JD Power for excellent customer satisfaction and has been named by Cogent Reports as one of the most trusted utility brands in the United States.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. Its electric utilities serve 7.9 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively have 51,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,500 people.
Duke Energy is implementing an aggressive clean energy strategy to create a smarter energy future for its customers and communities – with targets of at least 50% carbon reduction by 2030 and zero net carbon emissions by 2050. The company is one of the leading renewables in the United States. supplier, on track to own or purchase 16,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025. The company is also investing in major power grid upgrades and expanding battery storage, and is exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune 2021’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list and Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers” list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains press releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. The Duke Energy Illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Media Contact: Jennifer Sharpe
Telephone: 877.348.3612
E-mail: [email protected]
[ad_2]
Source link