The “Why” Behind High Gas Prices

People are frequently asking “why is my gas bill so high and what can I do to combat it?”. Right now, there are a myriad of factors affecting gas prices. There are also several things you can do to help promote savings on your monthly bill.

• Gas demand is on the rise. It’s important to note that as a gas utility, we do not make a profit from the cost of the natural gas that’s delivered to you. This cost is a direct pass-through, you pay what we pay. In an effort to limit the impact of market fluctuations on our customers, we work hard to secure the lowest and most affordable gas prices we can.
• Gas storage plays a key role in the price of natural gas. Currently, storage is lower than normal due to high demand and a lessened supply.
• The pandemic has left a mark on utility bills. If you’re one of the millions of Americans that traded an office location for an at-home work environment, you’re likely using more natural gas than you used in the past to keep your workspace warm during the day. 

As a home or business owner, there are several other reasons you may be seeing a spike in your natural gas heating bill. Read more to learn what you can do to promote energy savings.

Thermostat Use: A thermostat is only as effective as its programming. Smart thermostats are a great way to stay connected to your heating and cooling system to help with savings. Using advanced technology, a smart thermostat conveniently controls and monitors energy use, optimizes comfort, and can reduce energy costs in your home.

What you can do: Invest in a programmable thermostat that keeps your living space at a comfortable, energy-saving temperature (try 68 degrees). Or invest in a smart thermostat that will automatically adjust temperatures around your home throughout the day and night, learning your behavior and new ways to save over time. We offer savings for smart thermostats, learn more.

Time for Maintenance: There are a variety of simple activities you can do to extend the life of your appliances, reduce safety risks, and potentially reduce your energy consumption.

What you can do: Regularly remove dryer lint from filters and vents. Most furnace manufacturers encourage annual maintenance by a professional to ensure all components are clear and functioning well. This helps ensure your heating systems are in optimal condition when cold weather sets in.

Drafts from Doors, Windows, and Other Spaces: Locating drafts around windows and doors is relatively easy. The temperature differences are often more noticeable there. Attics and chimneys are also common ways warm air escapes your home.

What you can do: Caulking and weather-stripping is your friend around windows and doors. Try insulating foams that expand to fill exterior holes drilled for cables and plumbing and use rigid foam insulation in rim joists. Also, conduct a home energy audit and consult a professional to identify opportunities to reduce your heating costs.

Outdated Appliances: It is common for your heating system or gas range to become less efficient over the course of time and to require more energy to produce the same amount of heat.

What you can do: Hire a licensed professional to assess your appliances to ensure there are no major problems. They can inform you when it’s time to invest in a new unit. If it is in fact time, we offer rebates and savings opportunities for a variety of energy-saving appliances, get the details.

We’re Here to Help

We understand receiving higher than normal bills can be stressful, but we are here to help. That’s why we offer energy-saving tools, tips, and services to help our customers save money, use less energy, and lower their monthly bills year-round.

Financial Aid & Assistance Programs

Summit’s culture encourages being a valued community partner. Supporting our service areas with safe, dependable, and affordable natural gas includes offering programs to help those in need. These programs are available to those who qualify for home heating needs through federally funded programs and crisis assistance offered by counties. If you or someone you know is having trouble paying your natural gas bill, explore our payment assistance program offerings.

Payment Assitance Programs